Question

Name the five isomers of \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{14}\)

Short answer

The five isomers of \(\mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14}\) are hexane, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, and 2,3-dimethylbutane.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Isomerism

An isomer is a compound with the same molecular formula but a different structural formula. For the compound with the molecular formula of \(\mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14}\), we need to find all possible structural arrangements.

Identify the Linear Isomer

The simplest form of an isomer is a straight-chain alkane. For \(\mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14}\), this isomer is known as hexane and can be represented with all six carbon atoms in a single, continuous chain.

Identify Monobranched Isomers

Add one branch by rearranging the carbon atoms to create different structural isomers. Substituting one end of the chain with a methyl group creates two possible structures: 2-methylpentane and 3-methylpentane.

Identify Doubly Branched Isomers

To find doubly branched isomers, add another methyl group on a different carbon atom in the main chain. Two new valid arrangements are 2,3-dimethylbutane and 2,2-dimethylbutane.

Verify All Structures

Verify that each unique structural formula adheres to the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14}\) and ensure there are no duplicates. We have found the five unique isomers: hexane, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, and 2,3-dimethylbutane.

Key concepts

Hexane

Hexane is a simple, straight-chain alkane that consists of six carbon atoms and fourteen hydrogen atoms, reflecting its molecular formula, \( \mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14} \). This compound is part of the alkane family, known for having only single bonds between carbon atoms. In the hexane structure, all the carbon atoms are linked together in a linear chain, making it the longest unbranched form of \( \mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14} \).

Hexane serves as the reference point from which other isomers of \( \mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14} \) can be derived. It's often used in laboratories and industries as a non-polar solvent. Despite its simple structure, it sets the stage for understanding more complex arrangements in its isomeric forms. Understanding hexane helps students to recognize how branching from a straight chain can lead to different structural isomers.

C6H14 Isomers

The molecular formula \( \mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14} \) suggests compounds that share this formula can have a variety of structural forms. When we talk about isomers, we're discussing molecules that have the same chemical composition but different structural layouts. For \( \mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14} \), it leads to five distinct isomers.

The isomers of \( \mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14} \) start with hexane (a straight-chain or linear isomer), and include forms where branching occurs: 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, and 2,3-dimethylbutane. These variations in structure allow the same set of atoms to rearrange into different shapes and forms, resulting in unique property differences between each isomer.

• Linear Isomer: Hexane
• Monobranched Isomers: 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane
• Doubly Branched Isomers: 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylbutane

Each isomer possesses unique characteristics such as boiling and melting points, which are critical for applications in different chemical processes.

Structural Isomer Identification

Identifying structural isomers involves recognizing the different ways carbon atoms can bond within a molecule like \( \mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{14} \). The goal is to rearrange the atoms into unique structures while maintaining the same molecular formula.

The process starts with the simplest form, the straight chain, and progresses to more complex structures via branching. Begin by noting the linear version, hexane. Then, create variations by introducing branches of carbon atoms. Placing one methyl group onto the main chain forms monobranched isomers like 2-methylpentane and 3-methylpentane. Further modifications, such as adding an additional methyl group, result in doubly branched isomers like 2,2-dimethylbutane and 2,3-dimethylbutane.

To confirm you have identified all possible isomers, ensure no duplicate structures exist by comparing each arrangement's carbon bonding and verify that each structure contains exactly six carbon atoms and fourteen hydrogens. This careful examination ensures comprehensive understanding and acknowledgment of all potential structural variations of the molecular formula.