How to Draw the Structural Formula for 3-Ethylhexane

To draw the structural formula for 3-ethylhexane, we need to understand its structure based on its name.

First, let’s break down the name:

• Hexane indicates a six-carbon straight chain. This is our main carbon chain.
• 3-Ethyl signals that there is an ethyl group (-C2H5) attached to the third carbon of the hexane chain.

Now, let’s sketch the structural formula step-by-step:

1. Start by drawing a linear chain of six carbon atoms (C1 to C6). You can represent them as follows:

C1 - C2 - C3 - C4 - C5 - C6

2. Next, identify the third carbon (C3) where the ethyl group will be attached. This means we will have a substituent on C3.
3. The ethyl group (C2H5) consists of a two-carbon chain. Attach it to C3, resulting in the following structure:

C1 - C2 - C3 - C4 - C5 - C6
            |
        C7 - C8

In the above structure, C7 and C8 represent the ethyl group bonded to C3.

4. Now, let’s ensure that each carbon has four bonds. Hydrogen atoms will be added accordingly. For example:

   H   H   H   H   H
   |   |   |   |   |
H-C1-C2-C3-C4-C5-C6-H
       |
     H-C7
   H

Finally, after placing all the hydrogen atoms, the complete structural formula for 3-ethylhexane is ready. Each carbon atom should have four bonds satisfied by either hydrogen or other carbon atoms.

This structured approach will help you easily construct the structural formula for 3-ethylhexane on paper or digitally.