Question

Draw the four isomers of dibromopropane, \(\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{Br}_{2}\).

Short answer

There are four isomers of dibromopropane: 1,1-dibromopropane, 1,2-dibromopropane, 1,3-dibromopropane, and 2,2-dibromopropane.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Isomers

We begin by identifying that isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. For dibromopropane ( C_3H_6Br_2 ), we need to arrange the carbon, hydrogen, and bromine atoms to form different structures.

Base Structure - Propane

The base structure of propane consists of three carbon atoms linearly connected: C-C-C . Initially, arrange all three carbon atoms in a straight line, and then add hydrogen or bromine atoms.

Drawing the First Isomer - 1,1-Dibromopropane

In this structure, place two bromine atoms on the first carbon atom. Thus, the structure will be: Br - CH2 - CH2 - CH2 - Br.

Drawing the Second Isomer - 1,2-Dibromopropane

Here, place one bromine on the first carbon atom and the other on the second carbon atom: Br - CH2 - CH - CH3 - Br.

Drawing the Third Isomer - 1,3-Dibromopropane

This time, place one bromine atom on the first carbon and the other on the third carbon: Br - CH2 - CH2 - CH2 - Br.

Drawing the Fourth Isomer - 2,2-Dibromopropane

For the fourth isomer, place both bromine atoms on the central carbon: CH3 - C(Br)2 - CH3.

Key concepts

Structural Isomers

Structural isomers are fascinating compounds in chemistry. They have the same molecular formulas but differ in the way their atoms are connected, resulting in distinct properties. This means that structural isomers share the same number and types of atoms but are bonded in different arrangements. In the case of dibromopropane,

• All isomers consist of the same number of carbon, hydrogen, and bromine atoms, following the formula \(\mathrm{C}_{3}\mathrm{H}_{6}\mathrm{Br}_{2}\).
• The difference in how these atoms are arranged leads to different isomers, such as 1,1-dibromopropane where both bromines are on the same carbon, and 1,3-dibromopropane with bromines on different end carbons.

This variety in arrangement is what makes structural isomers so important in chemistry, as they allow us to explore the diverse chemical landscapes and application potentials that arise from their unique structures.

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry deals with compounds that contain carbon, like dibromopropane. This field is essential because it covers all the known life forms which are carbon-based. In organic chemistry:

• The main focus is on understanding the formation, structure, reactions, and properties of organic molecules and compounds.
• With molecules like dibromopropane, chemists explore how the carbon backbone can bond with elements such as hydrogen and halogens (like bromine) to create more complex structures.

Learning about dibromopropane's isomers gives insight into how organic molecules can be manipulated and tailored. These adaptations can allow the discovery or design of new materials, medicines, and other useful compounds in real-world applications. Organic chemistry offers a vast area of study because it's the groundwork for developing many products in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and technology.

Chemical Formulas

Chemical formulas are like the shorthand of chemistry. For students, they are an essential tool for understanding what a molecule is made of. The chemical formula of dibromopropane is \(\mathrm{C}_{3}\mathrm{H}_{6}\mathrm{Br}_{2}\), which reveals:

• There are three carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and two bromine atoms in each molecule.
• Such a formula doesn't just tell you the number of atoms—it provides a clue for building the molecule's structure and understanding how it might interact with other substances.

Interpreting these formulas helps students predict how molecules could react or what properties they might exhibit. It's crucial for solving exercises like drawing isomers because it guides the process of arranging atoms correctly while adhering to chemical rules and principles. Formulas provide an essential framework from which many aspects of organic chemistry are built.