Question

How many isomers are possible for C5H12 ?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) 10

Answer 1

There are three isomers possible for C5H12: pentane, isopentane (methylbutane), and neopentane (dimethylpropane). These isomers differ in their carbon atom arrangements and are structural isomers, not stereoisomers. The number of possible isomers for C5H12 is C) 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The number of possible isomers for C5H12 is 3. Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. For C5H12, the three isomers are based on the arrangement of carbon atoms:

• Pentane (a straight-chain alkane)
• Isopentane (also known as methylbutane, with one branch)
• Neopentane (also known as dimethylpropane, with two branches)

The presence of chiral centers affects the number of stereoisomers, but in the case of C5H12, we are only considering structural isomers, not stereoisomers as there are no chiral centers in these alkanes.