I can't figure out how to draw the structure of beta-valerolactone. Since it's beta I thought it would have a four mem-ring but when I do this I keep getting it wrong. It says the 5 carbons are supposed to be arranged in a linear chain, help please!

https://www.google.com/search?q=beta-valerolactone&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

That only gives the structure for gamma and delta

You didn't look at all of the sites. One gives the beta. It's a ring.

Got it, thank you!

To draw the structure of beta-valerolactone correctly, follow these steps:

1. Start by drawing a five-carbon chain in a linear form. Each carbon atom should be connected to the neighboring carbon atom by a single bond.

C - C - C - C - C

2. Next, identify the carbon at position 1. This carbon will be part of the lactone ring.

3. Now, to form the lactone ring, draw a double bond between the 1st and 4th carbon atoms.

C = C - C - C = C - C

4. Finally, connect the 3rd carbon atom to the 5th carbon atom with a single bond to complete the lactone ring.

C = C - C - C = C - C
|
C

Overall, the structure of beta-valerolactone should look like this:

C = C - C - C = C - C
|
C

Remember that the "beta" in beta-valerolactone refers to the position of the oxygen atom in the lactone ring, which is connected to the 3rd carbon atom.