Which carbon atoms are all in the same plane (co-planar) in this molecule?

Image: img12.imageshack.us/img12/6861/94274481.jpg

a. ) 1, 2, 3, 4
b. ) 1, 3, 4, 5
c. ) 2, 3, 5, 6
d. ) 2, 3, 4, 6
e. ) 3, 4, 5, 6

I strongly think it's (c) by looking at the picture. But I'm not sure how to prove it, if someone were to ask me. I don't logic behind it. If you can please tell me. Thanks

Same response as before. You are not giving the web location properly.

The website does not allow me to post internet addresses for some reason. Really, all you have to do is post the link into the address bar. It works for me.

To determine which carbon atoms are coplanar in the given molecule, we need to analyze the molecular structure and look for any specific patterns or arrangements.

Here's a step-by-step approach to analyzing the molecule:

1. Identify and label the carbon atoms: In the given image, you can see that the carbon atoms are numbered from 1 to 6. Make note of these labels to refer to them later.

2. Identify the atoms bonded directly to each carbon atom: Look at each carbon atom individually and determine which atoms are directly bonded to it. Record these bonds in a table or on paper.

Using this information, we can analyze the atoms bonded to each carbon atom:

- Carbon atom 1 is bonded to carbon atoms 2 and 4.
- Carbon atom 2 is bonded to carbon atoms 1, 3, and 6.
- Carbon atom 3 is bonded to carbon atoms 2, 4, 5, and 6.
- Carbon atom 4 is bonded to carbon atoms 1 and 3.
- Carbon atom 5 is bonded to carbon atoms 3 and 6.
- Carbon atom 6 is bonded to carbon atoms 2, 3, and 5.

3. Determine the coplanar carbon atoms: We are looking for a set of carbon atoms that lie in the same plane, meaning they can be drawn on a flat surface without any of them sticking out. To determine this, we need to find a group of carbon atoms where each atom is directly bonded to the adjacent carbon atom(s) in the set.

Looking at the information we gathered earlier, we can see that carbon atoms 2, 3, 5, and 6 meet this criterion. Each of these carbon atoms is directly bonded to the adjacent carbon atom(s) in the set. Therefore, the coplanar carbon atoms in the molecule are 2, 3, 5, and 6.

Therefore, the correct answer is (c) 2, 3, 5, 6.

By analyzing the molecular structure and identifying the atoms bonded to each carbon atom, we can determine which carbon atoms are coplanar in the given molecule.