What are the isomers of butane?

1 Answer
Stefan V.
Feb 15, 2015

Butane, or C_4H_10C4H10, has two structural (also called constitutional) isomers called normal butane, or unbranched butane, and isobutane, or i-butane. According to IUPAC nomenclature, these isomers are called simply butane and 2-methylpropane.

As you know, isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but different chemical structures. In the case of butane, its two isomers will have these structural formulas

![science.uvu.edu)

Notice that isobutane has a propane parent chain with a methyl group - CH_3CH3 attached to the second carbon of the chain - that is why its IUPAC name is 2-methylpropane.

![http://www.meritnation.com/ask-answer/question/draw-3-structural-isomers-butane-plzz-help/carbon-and-its-compounds/1828050](useruploads.socratic.org)

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