Question

Bond line formula of HOCH(CN)$_2$ is:

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

A bond line formula is a simplified molecular structure representation, omitting explicit hydrogen atoms attached to carbon. It emphasizes the carbon backbone and attached functional groups or substituents.

The compound HOCH(CN)₂ has the following structure:

• A central carbon atom bonded to one hydroxyl (OH) group.
• The same central carbon atom is bonded to two cyano (CN) groups.

To construct the bond line structure:

1. Identify the central carbon atom.
2. Represent the bonds from this carbon to its attached groups.
3. In bond line diagrams, carbon atoms are implied at vertices and line ends unless otherwise indicated.

The correct bond line structure features a central point representing the carbon, with lines extending to indicate bonds with the OH and two CN groups. Evaluating the provided figures:

• Fig 1: Incorrect representation.
• Fig 2: Incorrect representation.
• Fig 3: Incorrect representation.
• Fig 4: Correctly depicts a central carbon bonded to one OH group and two CN groups, accurately representing HOCH(CN)₂.

Therefore, Fig 4 displays the accurate bond line formula.

This formula correctly illustrates:

• A single carbon atom with three attachments: one hydroxyl (OH) and two cyano (CN) groups.

Fig 4 is the correct representation.