Question

The correct combination of names for isomeric alcohols with molocular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{O}\) is/are ( \(\Lambda\) ) tert-butanol and 2-methylpropan-2-ol (B) tert-butanol and 1, 1-dimethylethan-1-ol (C) n-butanol and butan-1-ol (D) isobutyl alcohol and 2 -methylpropan-1-ol

Short answer

The correct combination of names for isomeric alcohols with the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{O}\) is (D) isobutyl alcohol and 2-methylpropan-1-ol, which are different names for the same compound.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Possible Structures From Formula

Begin by considering the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{O}\). This indicates we have four carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. The alcohol functional group (-OH) means one of these oxygens is part of a hydroxyl group. We need to identify all possible structural isomers that fit this formula and contain an alcohol group.

Determine Structural Isomers

For the \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{O}\) formula, isomers can have different carbon chain lengths and positions of the hydroxyl group. Tert-butanol (also known as 2-methylpropan-2-ol) is one possible structure. Isobutyl alcohol (2-methylpropan-1-ol), n-butanol (butan-1-ol), and sec-butanol (butan-2-ol) are others. There is no compound known as 1,1-dimethylethan-1-ol, so option (B) is incorrect. It's also important to note that tert-butanol and 2-methylpropan-2-ol are the same compounds, which makes option (A) redundant.

Compare the Options with the Identified Isomers

After reviewing the possible isomeric structures for \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{O}\), it's clear that tert-butanol is the same as 2-methylpropan-2-ol, and n-butanol is synonymous with butan-1-ol. The correct options should be a pair of different isomers that could exist for the given formula.

Select the Correct Option

Looking at the answer choices and referencing the possible isomers, we can identify the correct ones. Tert-butanol indeed corresponds to 2-methylpropan-2-ol but it is not a different isomer. N-butanol and butan-1-ol are the same compound. Isobutyl alcohol is another name for 2-methylpropan-1-ol. Therefore, the correct combination that represents different isomers would be (D) isobutyl alcohol and 2-methylpropan-1-ol.

Key concepts

Structural Isomers

Structural isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of their atoms. In organic chemistry, this is a fundamental concept, as the arrangement of atoms impacts the molecule's properties and reactions. For instance, in the exercise involving isomeric alcohols with the molecular formula \( \mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{O} \), the arrangement of carbon atoms and the placement of the hydroxyl group (-OH) contribute to the creation of different isomers.

Improving understanding of this topic could involve exploring these various structures with models or drawings, making the distinction between isomers clearer. Visual representations can help students see, for example, that tert-butanol and 2-methylpropan-2-ol are indeed the same structure with different naming conventions, thereby eliminating any confusion between naming and structure in this case.

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula \( \mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{O} \) provides essential information about the chemical composition of a molecule, indicating that it contains four carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. In our exercise, understanding how to interpret this formula is the first step in identifying potential structural isomers.

For educational purposes, it's beneficial to guide students through exercises that involve writing out all possible isomers for a given molecular formula. This approach encourages the development of systematic thinking and helps avoid overlooking any potential structures. Using a molecular formula as a starting point, students can then learn to apply IUPAC naming rules and understand how the same formula can lead to different structures with differing physical and chemical properties.

Organic Chemistry Education

Understanding organic chemistry can seem daunting, but a targeted education approach aiming to unravel the complexities of this subject can enhance students' learning experiences. When dealing with exercises like identifying isomeric alcohols, it's essential to break down the problem into manageable steps.

Incorporating multimedia tools, interactive quizzes, and step-by-step problem-solving techniques into the educational content can facilitate student engagement and comprehension. For example, animations showing the transformation of one isomer to another may further aid understanding the concept of structural isomers. Grounded in real-world examples and practical exercises, organic chemistry education becomes not only more approachable but also deeply fascinating, revealing the intricate dance of atoms that creates the myriad of substances found in the world around us.