Textbook Question
Propose structures for molecules that fit the following descriptions:
(b) An ester with the formula C6H12O2
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Ch.12 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Alkanes
McMurry8th EditionFundamentals of GOBISBN: 9780134015187
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Table of contents
- Ch.1 Matter and Measurements27
- Ch.2 Atoms and the Periodic Table20
- Ch.3 Ionic Compounds8
- Ch.4 Molecular Compounds23
- Ch.5 Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions12
- Ch.6 Chemical Reactions: Mole and Mass Relationships28
- Ch.7 Chemical Reactions: Energy, Rate and Equilibrium64
- Ch.8 Gases, Liquids and Solids24
- Ch.9 Solutions52
- Ch.10 Acids and Bases25
- Ch.11 Nuclear Chemistry22
- Ch.12 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Alkanes57
- Ch.13 Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds47
- Ch.14 Some Compounds with Oxygen, Sulfur, or a Halogen50
- Ch.15 Aldehydes and Ketones45
- Ch.16 Amines42
- Ch.17 Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives57
- Ch.18 Amino Acids and Proteins82
- Ch.19 Enzymes and Vitamins63
- Ch.20 Carbohydrates44
- Ch.21 The Generation of Biochemical Energy65
- Ch.22 Carbohydrate Metabolism45
- Ch.23 Lipids42
- Ch.24 Lipid Metabolism33
- Ch.25 Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism24
- Ch.26 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis45
Chapter 12, Problem 37
If one compound has the formula C5H10 and another has the formula C4H10 are the two compounds isomers? Explain.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Recall the definition of isomers. Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms.
Step 2: Compare the molecular formulas of the two compounds. The first compound has the formula C₅H₁₀, and the second compound has the formula C₄H₁₀. For two compounds to be isomers, their molecular formulas must be identical.
Step 3: Analyze the molecular formulas. The first compound has 5 carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms, while the second compound has 4 carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms. Since the number of carbon atoms differs, the molecular formulas are not the same.
Step 4: Conclude that because the molecular formulas are not identical, the two compounds cannot be isomers.
Step 5: Note that the difference in the number of carbon atoms indicates that these are entirely different compounds, not structural variations of the same molecular formula.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Isomers
Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms. This can lead to different structural or spatial configurations, resulting in distinct chemical properties. Understanding isomerism is crucial for distinguishing between compounds that may appear similar based on their formulas.
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Isomers Concept 1
Molecular Formula
A molecular formula represents the number and types of atoms in a molecule, denoted by the symbols of the elements and subscripts indicating the quantity of each atom. For example, C₅H₁₀ indicates a molecule with five carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. Comparing molecular formulas helps identify potential isomers and their structural variations.
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Structural Isomers
Structural isomers are a specific type of isomer where the connectivity of atoms differs between compounds. This can include variations in the carbon skeleton or the position of functional groups. In the case of C₅H₁₀ and C₄H₁₀, understanding structural isomerism is essential to determine if they can exist as isomers based on their molecular formulas.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Propose structures for molecules that fit the following descriptions:
(c) A compound with the formula C3H7NOS that is both an amide and a thiol
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Textbook Question
Propose structures for molecules that fit the following descriptions:
(c) An aromatic compound that is also an ether, C8H10O
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Textbook Question
Give an example of a compound that meets the following descriptions:
b. A cycloalkane with three substituents
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Textbook Question
Write condensed structures for the following molecular formulas. More than one isomer will be required for each.
a. Isomers of C8H18 that contain two methyl groups and a longest chain of 4 carbons
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Textbook Question
How many straight-chain isomers can you write that fit the following descriptions? See Worked Example 12.12 for guidance.
b. Amines (―NH2) with a longest chain of 7 carbons
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