Question

2. Catechols, substituted with long chain alkyl groups, are the major toxic component of poison ivy. If you were exposed to poison ivy, which of the following treatments would you apply to the exposed area and why? [Think about the chemical properties of this molecule. Wash the area with cold water. Wash the area with dilute vinegar or lemon juice. Wash the area with soapy water. penta decyl catechol - (1) ES HO. heptadecyl catechol - (3) HO.

Answer 1

(carboxyl group) Soap has both hydrophilic group and hydrophobic (alkyl group) so only soap molecule will have the best interactions with toxic compound. These interactions are. (VoDiw) (i) Hydrophobic and van der waal interactions between two non - Polar alkyl chains of soap and cate chol. catechul molecule. M OH "alkyl group interaction alkyl group a ViD.W L soap molecule 'hydrogen bonding (ii) Hydrogen bonding Interactions Between carboxylate's oxygen and Acidic hydrogens af catechol.

Due to these two Favorable interactions between two, molecules: the toxic compound get soluble in soapy water and get a Memoved together by washing. correct option is (ii) was the area with soapy water

On other hand, neither water nor Acetic acid has any non polar long alkyl chain to cause hydrophobic interactions with catechol's alkyl chain ,in order to dissolve in it and wash out.

So, only soapy water is capable to dissolve the toxic compound and wash out together. Thus rendering the exposed area harmless.