What is meant by isomers ? Draw the structure of two isomers of butane, C_(4)H_(10). Explain why we cannot have isomers of first three members of alkane series.

What is meant by isomers ? Draw the structure of two isomers of butane

1.	What is meant by isomers ? Draw the structure of two isomers of butane, C_(4)H_(10). Explain why we cannot have isomers of first three members of alkane series.
Answer» Solution :Isomers are the compounds which have the same molecular FORMULA but different structural formula. Isomers of Butane: `H-underset("n-butane")(underset(H)underset(\|)overset(H)overset(\|)(C)-underset(H)underset(\|)overset(H)overset(\|)(C)-underset(H)underset(\|)overset(H)overset(\|)(C)-underset(H)underset(\|)overset(H)overset(\|)(C)H)` (II) `H-underset(\|)overset(H)overset(\|)(C)-H` `H--underset(H)underset(\|)overset(H)overset(\|)(C)--underset(H)underset(\|)overset(H)overset(\|)(C)--underset(H)underset(\|)overset(H)overset(\|)(C)H` We cannot have isomers of the first three members of the alkane series because of the following LAWS of isomers : (i) The parent chain should have the most number of carbon atoms. (ii) The branching cannot be done from the first on the LAST ATOM carbon atom of the structure.