What is meant by isomers? Draw the structure of two isomers of butane, C 4 H 10 . Explain why we cannot have isomers of first three members of alkane series.

 

Answer

Isomers are chemical compounds having the same molecular formula but differ in their structure .

Isomers of butane are:  

Structural isomers of Butane (C4H10) - Teachoo.png

Homologous series of Alkanes - Teachoo.png

Isomers differ in their structure. We cannot have isomers of the first three members of alkane series because from the structure of Methane, ethane and propane given above, it is evident that:

  • Branching is not possible from the first or last carbon atom.
  • The parent chain has only 1,2 or 3 carbon atoms, so they will not differ in their structure.
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CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo