Multiple Choice
Which pair of the following molecules are constitutional isomers? (A) n-butane and isobutane (B) and (C) and (D) and
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1. A Review of General Chemistry
Constitutional Isomers
Multiple Choice
Which of the following pairs of compounds are constitutional isomers of each other?
A
: n-butane and isobutane
B
: ethane and ethanol
C
: n-pentane and neopentane
D
: propane and cyclopropane
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the definition of constitutional isomers. Constitutional isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different connectivity of atoms, meaning their atoms are connected in different orders.
Step 2: For each pair, compare their molecular formulas. If the formulas differ, they cannot be constitutional isomers. For example, ethane (C\\_2H\\_6) and ethanol (C\\_2H\\_6O) have different molecular formulas, so they are not constitutional isomers.
Step 3: For pairs with the same molecular formula, analyze their structures to confirm different connectivity. For example, n-butane and isobutane both have the formula C\\_4H\\_10 but differ in the arrangement of carbon atoms, making them constitutional isomers.
Step 4: Consider cyclic versus acyclic structures. For example, propane (C\\_3H\\_8) and cyclopropane (C\\_3H\\_6) have different molecular formulas due to the ring structure affecting hydrogen count, so they are not constitutional isomers.
Step 5: Summarize by identifying pairs with identical molecular formulas but different connectivity as constitutional isomers, such as n-butane and isobutane (C\\_4H\\_10), and n-pentane and neopentane (C\\_5H\\_12).
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