Question

Classifying a carbon atom by the number of carbons to which it is bonded can also be done in more complex molecules that contain heteroatoms. classify each sp3 hybridized carbon atom in bilobalide, a compound isolated from ginkgo biloba extracts, as 1°, 2°, 3°, or 4°. be sure to answer all parts. 33 bilobalide

Answer 1

A sp³ hybridized carbon atom is the one which forms 4 single bonds with other atoms.

In the structure of Bilobalide, we can see 12 sp³ hybridized carbon atoms which are attached to other carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

In order to classify carbon atoms as 1°, 2°, 3°, or 4° we need to take a look at the atoms to which these carbon atoms are attached.

A 1° carbon atom is the one which is attached to only 1 carbon atom.

In the diagram, we can see 3 methyl groups ( -CH3) being attached to only 1 carbon atom. There is one more primary carbon atom.

There are 4 primary carbon atoms in Bilobalide.

A 2° carbon atom is the one which is attached to 2 other carbon atoms.

In Bilobalide we can see 4 secondary carbon atoms.

A 3° carbon atom is the one which is attached to 3 other carbon atoms.

In Bilobalide we can see only 1 tertiary carbon atom.

A 4° carbon atom is the one which is attached to 4 other carbon atoms.

In Bilobalide we can see 3 quaternary carbon atoms.

Please see the attached image for classification.