Multiple Choice
Which pair of the following compounds are constitutional isomers?
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1. A Review of General Chemistry
Constitutional Isomers
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Which of the following compounds is not a constitutional isomer of the others?
A
(isobutane)
B
(n-butane)
C
(propane)
D
(methylpropane)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular formulas of each compound given: isobutane, n-butane, propane, and methylpropane. Note that isobutane and methylpropane are actually the same compound with the formula \(C\\_4H\\_{10}\), just different names.
Recall that constitutional isomers have the same molecular formula but different connectivity of atoms. Therefore, to be constitutional isomers, compounds must share the same molecular formula.
Compare the molecular formulas: isobutane (\(C\\_4H\\_{10}\)), n-butane (\(C\\_4H\\_{10}\)), methylpropane (\(C\\_4H\\_{10}\)), and propane (\(C\\_3H\\_8\)). Notice that propane has a different molecular formula from the others.
Conclude that propane cannot be a constitutional isomer of the others because it has fewer carbon and hydrogen atoms, thus a different molecular formula.
Therefore, the compound that is not a constitutional isomer of the others is propane (\(C\\_3H\\_8\)).
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