Question

How many possible structural isomers have the molecular formula C₅H₁₂? Draw them all.

Answer 1

There are three possible structural isomers for the molecular formula C₅H₁₂: n-pentane, 2-methylbutane, and 2,2-dimethylpropane.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to determine the possible structural isomers for C₅H₁₂, we need to consider the different ways the carbon atoms can be arranged. Since there are 5 carbon atoms in the molecule, we can have a straight chain or a branched structure. Let's explore the possibilities:

1. Pentane (n-pentane): This is the straight-chain isomer with 5 carbon atoms in a row.
2. 2-Methylbutane: This is a branched isomer where one of the carbon atoms has three hydrogen atoms attached to it, and there is a methyl (CH₃) group attached to another carbon atom.
3. 2,2-Dimethylpropane: This is another branched isomer where one carbon atom has three hydrogen atoms attached, and two methyl groups (CH₃) are attached to different carbon atoms.

So, there are a total of three possible structural isomers for the molecular formula C₅H₁₂: n-pentane, 2-methylbutane, and 2,2-dimethylpropane.