Question

Give the isomers of the esters having the molecular formula ${\mathrm{C}}_5{\mathrm{H}}_{10}{\mathrm{O}}_2$.

Short answer

The isomers for the esters having the molecular formula C5H10O2 are three

Step-by-step solution

Draw ester general structure

Start by knowing the general structure of an ester which is R-COO-R', and knowing the rules for drawing organic structures. (Rule: Carbon forms 4 bonds, Hydrogen forms 1 bond, Oxygen forms 2 bonds)

List all possibilities

C5H10O2 means there are 5 carbon atoms, 10 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. Proceed to draw structures that follow the ester general structure and have the number of required atoms. The structures are as follows: $$C{H}_3-COO-C{H}_3$$ $$C{H}_3-C{H}_2-COO-C{H}_3$$ $$C{H}_3-COO-C{H}_2-C{H}_3$$

Number of isomers

The number of valid isomers is equal to the number of valid drawn structures which is three in this case

Key concepts

Understanding the Basics of Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is a branch of chemistry that primarily deals with the study of carbon-containing compounds. This includes a vast array of molecules, ranging from simple hydrocarbons to more complex structures like proteins and DNA.
The defining feature of organic chemistry is the carbon atom, which forms four covalent bonds allowing it to create diverse and complex molecules. Oxygen and hydrogen are also commonly involved in forming these organic compounds. For example, esters are a vital functional group within organic chemistry, consisting of a carbon chain bonded to a carboxylate group (COO).
When dealing with esters, it is essential to understand their general structure. The formula R-COO-R' represents esters, where "R" and "R'" are carbon-containing side chains. These side chains can vary in length and configuration, giving rise to different isomeric compounds.

Molecular Formula in Organic Chemistry

A molecular formula provides a simple way to express the number of each type of atom present in a molecule, helping chemists understand its composition. For instance, the molecular formula $${\mathrm{C}}_5{\mathrm{H}}_{10}{\mathrm{O}}_2$$ tells us that the molecule contains five carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms.

• The molecular formula does not give information on how these atoms are arranged within the structure; however, it is a stepping stone for deducing possible isomers.
• Esters with this molecular formula can be drawn in different ways as isomers, showing how structural diversity is possible even within compounds having the same set of atoms.
• These isomers are structural isomers, meaning they have the same molecular formula but differ in the way atoms are connected.

By knowing the molecular formula, chemists can predict possible structures and the reactivity of a substance.

Drawing Organic Structures Accurately

The skill of drawing organic structures is crucial in organic chemistry due to the importance of visualizing how atoms are arranged in space. When drawing ester isomers, one should understand the rules for connecting atoms:

• Carbon atoms form four bonds, creating robust frameworks known as carbon chains or backbones.
• Hydrogen atoms are simple, forming only one bond, typically at the periphery of organic structures.
• Oxygen atoms generally form two bonds and play a pivotal role in ester structures.

Using the molecular formula ${\mathrm{C}}_5{\mathrm{H}}_{10}{\mathrm{O}}_2$ as a guide, you can explore how to connect the atoms to form ester isomers.

Start by placing the carboxylate group (COO) centrally, then add the numbering of carbon chains on either side to build possible structures. Be systematic, ensuring that each atom follows bonding rules. By doing so, you can uncover different ester isomers, each one representing a unique way to organize the same set of atoms.