C8H11NO3

C8H11NO3 is the molecular formula that describes a family of organic compounds sharing eight carbon atoms, eleven hydrogen atoms, one nitrogen atom, and three oxygen atoms. Because multiple structural arrangements can yield the same formula, this notation does not identify a single compound but rather a set of constitutional isomers (and potentially stereoisomers).

The formula corresponds to a molecular weight of approximately 169.2 g/mol. The degree of unsaturation, calculated as DBE = C - H/2 + N/2 + 1, is 4 for C8H11NO3. This indicates combinations of rings and/or multiple bonds, such as a benzene ring with substituents or other ring systems with carbonyl and/or amine functionalities.

Structural possibilities for this formula are varied. With a DBE of 4, common scenarios include an aromatic ring bearing amino and oxygen-containing substituents, a lactam or other cyclic amide, or an aliphatic framework carrying both amino and hydroxy or carbonyl groups. The exact arrangement of atoms (the specific isomer) determines the compound’s properties, reactivity, and potential applications.

In practice, determining the exact compound requires structural data. Mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy are used to distinguish among isomers that share the same molecular formula. In chemical databases and literature, C8H11NO3 serves as a formula key; each distinct isomer has its own name, identifiers (such as CAS numbers), and documented properties.