If one compound has the formula C₅H₁₀ and another has the formula C₄H₁₀ are the two compounds isomers? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of isomers. Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas.
2. Step 2: Compare the molecular formulas of the two compounds. The first compound has the formula C₅H₁₀, and the second compound has the formula C₄H₁₀.
3. Step 3: Analyze the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms in each formula. The first compound has 5 carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms, while the second compound has 4 carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms.
4. Step 4: Determine if the molecular formulas are the same. Since the number of carbon atoms is different (5 vs. 4), the molecular formulas are not the same.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the two compounds cannot be isomers because they do not have the same molecular formula.

Key Concepts

Isomers

Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms. This can lead to different structural or spatial configurations, resulting in distinct chemical properties. Understanding isomers is crucial for analyzing compounds with identical formulas, as it helps determine whether they are the same substance or different.

Molecular Formula

A molecular formula represents the number and types of atoms in a molecule, denoted by the symbols of the elements and subscripts indicating the quantity of each atom. For example, C₅H₁₀ indicates a molecule with five carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. Comparing molecular formulas is essential for identifying potential isomers, as they must share the same formula to be considered isomers.

Structural Isomers

Structural isomers are a specific type of isomer where the connectivity of atoms differs between compounds, leading to variations in structure. For instance, two compounds with the same molecular formula can have different arrangements of carbon chains or functional groups. Recognizing structural isomers is important in organic chemistry, as it affects the physical and chemical properties of the compounds.