8.4 Isomers of Alkanes

Question 1

what are structural isomers

Answer 1

Structural Isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas.

Question 2

which alkanes have no isomers

Answer 2

Methane, ethane, and propane only have one possible structure, and so no isomers

Question 3

what can happen in a chain that does not form isomers

Answer 3

All single bonds may be bentandhave free rotation

Question 4

what isn’t show in structural formulas of alkanes

Answer 4

Structural formulas for alkanes do not indicate the structure of the molecule

Question 5

what two shapes can C4H10 have

Answer 5

C4H10 can be a single line (straight chain), or in branched chains, in C4H10 a T shape

Question 6

what often proceed the name of branched alkanes

Answer 6

The names of branched chain alkanes are often preceded byiso-

Question 7

what do you need to be careful with regarding isomers

Answer 7

You have to be careful, as multiple of the same isomers may look different if they are flipped around.

Question 8

what can more complicated hydrocarbons have

Answer 8

More complicated hydrocarbons have groups of carbon atoms calledside chainsor “alkyl groups” attached to the main string of carbons. Such hydrocarbon side chains are formed byremoving one hydrogen atomfrom the original orparenthydrocarbon