Question

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

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The bond line formula for a compound is a simplified representation of its molecular structure without showing individual hydrogen atoms attached to carbon atoms. It provides a clearer depiction of the backbone structure made by carbon atoms and any functional groups or substituents. 

The given compound is HOCH(CN)₂, which can be expanded to show:

• One hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the carbon.
• Two cyano groups (CN) attached to the same carbon.

To determine the correct bond line structure:

1. Identify the carbon skeleton that forms the base of the molecule.
2. Recognize that the carbon in the middle is attached to one hydroxyl group and two cyano groups.
3. In bond line diagrams, each end of the line represents a carbon unless specified otherwise.

The correct bond line structure will show a central carbon atom with lines representing the bonds to the hydroxyl and cyano groups. Let's examine the options:

• **Fig 1:** This figure does not appropriately represent the bond line structure for the compound HOCH(CN)₂.
• **Fig 2:** This figure also incorrectly represents the bond line configuration for HOCH(CN)₂.
• **Fig 3:** Again, this is not an accurate bond line formula for the given compound.
• **Fig 4:** This figure shows a central carbon with two attached CN groups and one OH group, correctly representing the compound HOCH(CN)₂.

Therefore, the correct bond line formula is as represented in Fig 4.

This formula accurately depicts the structure as:

• One carbon with three main attachments: hydroxyl (OH) and two cyano (CN) groups.

Hence, the answer is correctly represented by Fig 4.

Answer 2

The given compound is \( \text{HOCH(CN)}_2 \). This indicates a carbon atom bonded to a hydroxyl group (\(-\text{OH}\)) and two cyano groups (\(-\text{CN}\)).

The correct bond-line formula for this structure is represented by option (4).

Explanation: The central carbon atom is bonded to one hydroxyl group (\(-\text{OH}\)) and two cyano groups (\(-\text{CN}\)). This structure matches the representation of option (4), showing two cyano groups attached to the central carbon atom along with the hydroxyl group.