Which is the correct structure for glycerine?

The correct structure for glycerine, also known as glycerol, is represented by the structure that corresponds to the molecular formula C₃H₈O₃. Glycerine features three carbon atoms, each attached to a hydroxyl group (–OH), making it a triol. The structure consists of a 3-carbon chain with an –OH group on each of the first two carbon atoms and the third carbon.

The chosen structure illustrates this accurately: CH₂-OH-CH-OH-CH₂-OH clearly shows three carbon atoms linked together in a chain, with each of the carbons bonded to a hydroxyl group. This representation matches the expected connectivity and functional groups of glycerol. The configuration ensures that the three carbon skeleton is maintained with each carbon appropriately functionalized with hydroxyl groups, which is vital for glycerine's properties as an alcohol.

Other options fail to adequately represent glycerine. For instance, one option may depict an incorrect carbon chain length or misleading functional groups that do not correspond to glycerol's structure. The presence of different groups or incorrect connectivity can distort the characteristics that define glycerine. Being familiar with these structural details is crucial for understanding organic nomenclature and the properties of alcohols.