Chapter 1: Q-1-1-53E (page 27)

There are two different substances with the formula $C_{4} H_{10}$ . Draw both, and tell how they differ.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The two compounds differ in the way that the carbon atoms are connected. Because their structure is different, they are different substances.

Step by step solution

Structural Isomerism

Structural isomers are those in which the atoms are completely arranged in a different order with the same molecular formulas.These molecules have the same kind of molecular formula with different connectivities depending upon the order they are put together.

Structural isomerism is also called constitutional isomerism as per the IUPAC. It is a kind of isomerism where the molecule has the same molecular formula with different orders and bonding, as opposed to stereoisomerism.

Types of structural isomerism

There are three types of structural isomerism

Chain Isomerism- Chain isomerism occurs when there is a difference in the atomic arrangement of the carbon to carbon chain of the molecule. This phenomenon is also called skeletal isomerism: example butane and 2-methyl propane.

Position Isomerism- positional isomerism arises when there is a difference in the position occupied by a substituent atom or group of atoms or due to unsaturation occurring in the chain.

Functional Group Isomerism- Functional group isomerism occurs when there is a presence of the odd form of a functional group with the same molecular formula. For example, dimethyl ether and ethanol have the same molecular formula, $C_{2} H_{6} O$ but different functional groups.

Explanation

There are two different substances with the molecular formula C₄H₁₀ that can be differentiated with the help of structural isomerism, in which the atoms are completely arranged in a different order with the same molecular formulas.

Even though both compounds have the same formula , their boiling points and other properties differ.

Because their structure is different, they are different substances.