Constructing Models of Organic Compounds

Constructing Models of Organic Compounds

Name: ______Date: ______

INTRODUCTION: Molecules are three dimensional structures. Organic molecules are the most varied and complex of all molecules. In this laboratory exercise, you will use a molecular model kit to construct models of organic molecules and you will draw diagrams illustrating their structures.

MATERIALS (per group): Molecular model kit

PROCEDURE:

1. Examine the contents of the molecular model kit. Each kit should contain colored spheres to represent atoms and sticks or springs to represent bonds. Table I shows the characteristics of each of the types of spheres.

2. To begin constructing a model, select the spheres needed to represent each carbon shown on the data table.

3. The holes in the spheres represent bonding sites. After selecting the correct number of carbon spheres indicated, attach them using the sticks. Each stick represents a single bond.

4. Once the carbon atoms are bonded, use the wooden sticks to fill in the other vacant holes. Attach hydrogen spheres to these sites.

5. Count the total number of carbons and hydrogens in each model. Record these molecular formulas, using the atomic symbol and subscripts.

5. After you have built your molecule, draw its structural diagram and write its name in the box provided on the next page.

Example:

8 carbon molecule:

Formula: C8H18 Name: Octane

DATA TABLE:

# Carbon Atoms / Structural Diagram / Formula / Name
1
2
3
4
5
6

DATA ANALYSIS:

1.  Fill in the following table using your data.

# Carbon Atoms / # Hydrogen Atoms
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
11 / 24

2.  Construct a line graph of the relationship between the number of carbon atoms and the number of hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon.

3.  Place triangles on your graph for the missing hydrocarbons between carbons 8 and 11. Write the formulas for these molecules:

4.  Bonus: What is the algebraic relationship between the number of carbons and hydrogens in a hydrocarbon molecule?