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Capsaicin is an important component of some pain relief ointments - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2008 - Paper 1
Question 7
Capsaicin is an important component of some pain relief ointments. It is also the major compound responsible for the burning sensation of chilli peppers. A structure... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Capsaicin is an important component of some pain relief ointments - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2008 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. an ester functional group and an amide functional group.
Answer
To determine if capsaicin contains an ester and an amide functional group, we need to analyze its structure. An ester functional group is characterized by the general formula RCOOR', while an amide is represented by RCONR'R''. In the given capsaicin structure, we observe an amide as there is a nitrogen atom bonded to a carbonyl (C=O), making this part of the molecule an amide. However, there is no ester, as there is no RCOOR' group present.
Step 2
B. an ester functional group and an alcohol functional group.
Answer
Continuing our analysis, while we confirm the presence of an amide functional group in capsaicin, an ester is absent. The alcohol functional group, identified by the presence of an -OH group, is indeed present in the capsaicin structure. Therefore, while there is an alcohol, there remains no ester in the molecule.
Step 3
C. an alkene functional group and an amide functional group.
Answer
To verify if an alkene functional group exists, we check for a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). Observing the structure, there is indeed an alkene where two carbons are double-bonded. Moreover, as discussed earlier, the amide functional group is confirmed. Thus, this option is valid.
Step 4
D. a carboxylic acid functional group and an alcohol functional group.
Answer
In this step, we ascertain the existence of a carboxylic acid group, characterized by the functional group -COOH. Upon review, capsaicin does not contain this group. However, an alcohol functional group is indeed present. Therefore, this option cannot be considered correct.