How many isomers exist for C5H10?

1 Answer
anor277
Feb 6, 2016

Not counting geometric isomers, I can count at least 9 isomers. There may be more.

Explanation:

A formula of C5H10 has 1∘ of unsaturation. What does this mean? It means that in comparison to the saturated formula, C5H12, this formula has 2 hydrogens fewer. A degree of unsaturation specifies an unsaturated bond OR a ring.

So I can make at least 4 olefins with this formula (one of which has a geometric isomer); given the formula, the double bond can be either at C1 or C2.

Given a ring junction, there are 5 alicyclic structures possible: a five-membered ring; a four-membered ring; and 3 three-membered rings. One of the three-membered rings can have geometric isomers.

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