Question

Compare the bond length x, y, and z in the following compound.

• A. \( x = y = z \)
• B. \( x = y<z \)
• C. \( x<y<z \)
• D. \( x<y = z \)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Bond order and length.
In this compound, we are comparing the bond lengths of different bonds involving oxygen (O) and carbon (C). Bond length is related to bond strength, which in turn is related to the bond order. In general, the greater the bond order, the shorter the bond length. Step 2: Bond comparison.
- The C–O bond in the ester (CH\(_3\)-C–O–CH\(_3\)) is a single bond with a bond length of \( z \). - The O–C bond (in the ester group) has a bond length of \( x \), and it is generally similar to a single C–O bond. - The C–O bond in the ester linkage, which is adjacent to the electron-withdrawing group, will be slightly shorter than a typical C–O bond due to the inductive effects from the methyl groups. Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the bond length \( x = y \) and \( z \) is slightly longer than \( x \) and \( y \), leading to the conclusion that \( x = y<z \).
Final Answer: (B) \( x = y<z \)