Question

fill in the missing atoms or groups to complete the structure of 2,2 - dichloropropanoic acid. provide your answer below:

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the parent chain

Propanoic acid has 3 carbon atoms. The first carbon (left - most) in the given structure has one H. Carbon forms 4 bonds. So, the other two bonds of the first carbon are with H atoms.

Step2: Analyze the second carbon

The compound is 2,2 - dichloropropanoic acid. So, the second carbon has two Cl atoms.

Step3: Analyze the third carbon

The third carbon is part of the carboxylic acid group (\(-COOH\)). The double - bonded oxygen is already accounted for (the double bond in the structure). So, the remaining bond of the third carbon is with the \( -OH\) group of the carboxylic acid.

Answer:

From left to right (top - bottom for the first carbon):

• First carbon (top and bottom): \(H\) (two \(H\) atoms)
• Second carbon (top and bottom): \(Cl\) (two \(Cl\) atoms)
• Third carbon (top): \(O\) (double - bonded \(O\))
• Third carbon (right): \(OH\)