Question

Draw the structural isomers of the alkane \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{14} .\)

Short answer

Answer: There are five structural isomers of C6H14: 1. Hexane 2. 2-methylpentane 3. 3-methylpentane 4. 2,2-dimethylbutane 5. 2,3-dimethylbutane.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the longest carbon chain

The longest carbon chain of C6H14 contains six carbon atoms. We will consider this as the parent chain and draw the first isomer called hexane.

Draw hexane

Hexane has six consecutive carbon atoms connected by single bonds and each carbon atom surrounded by hydrogen atoms. The structure can be represented as: \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} - \mathrm{CH}_{2} - \mathrm{CH}_{2} - \mathrm{CH}_{2} - \mathrm{CH}_{2} - \mathrm{CH}_{3}\)

Draw five-carbon chain isomers

Next, we will consider five-carbon chains with a one-carbon branch. There are two possible isomers: 2-methylpentane and 3-methylpentane. 2-methylpentane: \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} - \mathrm{CH} - \mathrm{CH}_{2} - \mathrm{CH}_{2} - \mathrm{CH}_{3}\) | \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\) 3-methylpentane: \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} - \mathrm{CH}_{2} - \mathrm{CH} - \mathrm{CH}_{2} - \mathrm{CH}_{3}\) | \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\)

Draw four-carbon chain isomers

Next, we will consider four-carbon chains with two or more branches. There are three possible isomers: 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, and 3,3-dimethylbutane. 2,2-dimethylbutane: \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} - \mathrm{C} - \mathrm{CH}_{2} - \mathrm{CH}_{3}\) | \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\) | \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\) 2,3-dimethylbutane: \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} - \mathrm{CH} - \mathrm{CH} - \mathrm{CH}_{3}\) | | \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\) \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\) 3,3-dimethylbutane (not a valid isomer, since it is isomorphic to 2,2-dimethylbutane)

Identify all isomers of C6H14

The total number of structural isomers of \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{14}\) is five. They are: 1. Hexane 2. 2-methylpentane 3. 3-methylpentane 4. 2,2-dimethylbutane 5. 2,3-dimethylbutane

Key concepts

Understanding Alkanes

Alkanes are a group of hydrocarbons that consist entirely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are known as saturated hydrocarbons because they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. Each carbon atom forms four single covalent bonds. This leads to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms that can attach to a given carbon chain. Alkanes follow a general formula, which is given by \[ C_nH_{2n+2}\] where \(n\) represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. Alkanes are commonly used in everyday life as they are primary components of fuels such as gasoline and natural gas.

• The simplest alkane is methane, \(CH_4\).
• As the number of carbon atoms increases, so does the complexity of the alkane.
• Alkanes can exist as straight chains or branched isomers.

Due to their non-polar nature, alkanes are typically insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Their chemical reactivity is relatively low, which adds to their stability as fuels.

Exploring Hexane

Hexane is a specific alkane with the molecular formula \(C_6H_{14}\). It is composed of six carbon atoms connected in a linear or branched configuration. In its straight-chain form, hexane appears as a colorless liquid with a boiling point of about 69°C. It is commonly used as a solvent in laboratories and for industrial purposes.
However, hexane can also exist in several structural isomers. These isomers have the same molecular formula but different arrangements of their atoms. Among the isomers, we have:

• Hexane (straight-chain)
• 2-methylpentane (a five-carbon chain with a one-carbon branch)
• 3-methylpentane (another variety with the branch on a different carbon)
• 2,2-dimethylbutane and 2,3-dimethylbutane (four-carbon chains with branches)

The structural variations of hexane allow it to have a variety of uses and properties, showing different boiling points and slightly different chemical behaviors.

Organic Chemistry and Structural Isomers

Organic chemistry is a branch of chemistry focused on the study of carbon-containing compounds. Understanding organic chemistry involves exploring the diverse ways carbon atoms can combine to form complex molecules. One interesting aspect of organic chemistry is the exploration of isomers. Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of their atoms.
There are different types of isomers, including structural isomers, which are the focus when studying alkanes like hexane:

• Structural Isomers: These vary in their atom-to-atom connections, resulting in diverse structures for the same molecular formula. They can exhibit different physical and chemical properties due to these variations.
• For example, hexane has five structural isomers:
  • Hexane
  • 2-methylpentane
  • 3-methylpentane
  • 2,2-dimethylbutane
  • 2,3-dimethylbutane

Studying structural isomers helps chemists understand how slight changes in structure lead to different properties and uses of a compound. This underscores the importance of molecular shapes, making it a fundamental concept in organic chemistry.