Question #b9f95

1 Answer
May 11, 2017

b) There can be isomeric pairs in (i) alcohols and ethers and in (ii) aldehydes and ketones.

Explanation:

a) Alkanes and cycloalkanes

These are not isomeric with each other.

Compare propane (C3H8) and cyclopropane (C3H6).

C3C3

They cannot be isomers because they have different molecular formulas.

The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2, while the general formula for alkenes is CnH2n.

b) Oxygen-containing compounds

The classes are not isomeric with each other.

However, members from each class with the same number of carbon atoms can be isomers, depending on the position of the oxygen atom.

(i) Alcohols and ethers

Compare ethanol C2H6O and dimethyl ether C2H6O.

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They are isomers because they have the same chemical formula but different arrangements of their atoms.

The general formula of alcohols and ethers is CnH2n+2O.

(ii) Aldehydes and Ketones

Compare propanal and C3H6O and propanone C3H6O.

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They are isomers because they have the same chemical formula but different arrangements of their atoms.

The general formula of alcohols and ethers is CnH2nO.