Question

How many structural isomers of \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{O}\) are ethers? (a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

Short answer

There are 2 structural isomers of \\(\mathrm{C_{4}H_{10}O}\) that are ethers.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Ethers

To solve this problem, we first need to understand what an ether is. An ether is a type of organic compound that contains an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups. The general formula for ethers can be written as R-O-R', where R and R' are hydrocarbon groups.

Identifying the Molecular Formula

We are given the molecular formula \( \mathrm{C}_{4}\mathrm{H}_{10}\mathrm{O} \) and asked to determine how many structural isomers of this compound can be ethers. This formula indicates that the total number of carbon atoms must add up to 4, and the hydrogen atoms must add up to 10.

Analyzing Possible Combinations

To have a valid ether, we can arrange the carbon atoms in various ways around the central oxygen. We need to ensure the total counts remain \(\mathrm{C_{4}H_{10}O}\). Consider different hydrocarbon chains like butyl (\( \mathrm{C_{4}H_{9}}- \)) and methyl (\(-\mathrm{CH_3} \)) or other possible combinations such as ethyl (\( \mathrm{C_{2}H_{5}}- \)).

Listing the Possible Ethers

1. Methyl propyl ether: \(\mathrm{CH_3OCH_2CH_2CH_3}\). 2. Ethyl ethyl ether (diethyl ether): \(\mathrm{CH_3CH_2OCH_2CH_3}\). These are different configurations where both meet the molecular formula.

Counting the Number of Isomers

By listing different ethers based on feasible arrangements per the provided molecular formula, we conclude there are 2 possible ether structures that can be formed with \(\mathrm{C_{4}H_{10}O}\).

Key concepts

C4H10O

The chemical formula \( \text{C}_4\text{H}_{10}\text{O} \) represents a molecule comprised of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, specifically containing four carbons, ten hydrogens, and one oxygen. This formula doesn't tell you how these atoms are connected but simply gives you the number of each type of atom in a molecule.

When we talk about organic compounds with this formula, we're dealing with a wealth of possibilities in terms of structure. Each combination of these atoms that can be arranged differently under the same formula represents a potential isomer.

The challenge lies in figuring out these different connections that maintain the same atomic count but differ in how they're connected or structured.

Ethers

Ethers are a specific type of organic compound characterized by an oxygen atom that is bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups. The general representation is \( R-O-R' \), where \( R \) and \( R' \) symbolize the hydrocarbon groups.

These compounds are often quite stable and are widely used as solvents due to their low reactivity. They can vary greatly depending on the size and type of the hydrocarbon groups attached to the oxygen. This variability allows for numerous structural isomers even within a simple formula like \( \text{C}_4\text{H}_{10}\text{O} \).

• They do not contain any hydroxyl groups, unlike alcohols, another common type of organic compound containing oxygen.
• Ethers have a characteristic ether linkage, \( -O- \).

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry dedicated to the study of carbon compounds, which are all based on carbon chains or rings and include other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and a few others.

In organic chemistry, understanding molecular structure through formulas is essential since simple formulas can represent various structural isomers. Each structure can exhibit different chemical and physical properties.

• This subdivision of chemistry explores the immense variety of possible carbon structures.
• Researchers often manipulate these structures to create new materials such as pharmaceuticals and plastics.

Molecular Formula

A molecular formula like \( \text{C}_4\text{H}_{10}\text{O} \) specifies the number of each type of atom present in a molecule but does not provide information about the specific structural arrangement of these atoms.

While molecular formulas help identify the ingredients that make up a compound, they fall short in revealing how these atoms are bonded. This is why structural isomers exist and why it's important in organic chemistry to explore these different forms.

• Different compounds can share molecular formulas yet behave differently due to their unique structures.
• A molecular formula acts as a foundation for understanding potential chemical behavior and reactions.

Isomers of Ethers

Isomers are molecules with the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms. When discussing ethers with the formula \( \text{C}_4\text{H}_{10}\text{O} \), we focus on different ways to arrange carbon and hydrogen atoms around an oxygen atom.

For this molecular formula, two distinct structural isomers of ethers can be formed:

• Methyl propyl ether, with the structure \( \text{CH}_3\text{OCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3 \).
• Ethyl ethyl ether (or diethyl ether), with the structure \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OCH}_2\text{CH}_3 \).

Understanding such differences is crucial because small changes in structure can lead to significant differences in properties and uses.

In the context of structural isomers for ethers, we limit ourselves to considering how different arrangements of carbons and hydrogens can maintain an ether linkage \( -O- \), while adhering to the molecular formula.