Final answer:
There are 5 possible structural non-cyclical isomers for the formula C₄H₆: 4 straight chain isomers and 1 double bond isomer.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to determine the number of possible structural non-cyclical isomers with the formula C₄H₆, we need to calculate the possible arrangements of the carbon and hydrogen atoms. C₄H₆ can be arranged as a chain of four carbon atoms with two hydrogen atoms attached to each end, or it can have a carbon-carbon double bond. Let's consider both possibilities:
Straight Chain: The chain of four carbon atoms can be arranged in different ways. We can have:
But-1-ene: H-C=C-C-C-H
But-2-ene: C-C=C-C-H
But-3-ene: C-C=C-H-C
But-4-ene: C=C-C=C-H
Double Bond: The four carbon atoms can form a double bond, with two hydrogen atoms attached to each end. This gives us:
1,3-Butadiene: H-C=C-C=C-H
Therefore, there are a total of 5 possible structural non-cyclical isomers for the formula C₄H₆.