How many straight-chain isomers can you write that fit the following descriptions? See Worked Example 12.12 for guidance.


Amines (―NH₂) with a longest chain of 7 carbons

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the general formula for amines, which is R-NH₂, where R is an alkyl group.
2. Consider the longest carbon chain possible, which is 7 carbons in this case, and write the straight-chain alkane: C₇H₁₅.
3. Replace one hydrogen atom in the alkane with an amine group (―NH₂) to form the primary amine.
4. Determine the possible positions for the ―NH₂ group along the 7-carbon chain, ensuring each position is unique and results in a different isomer.
5. List each unique structure, ensuring that each represents a different straight-chain isomer of the amine.

Key Concepts

Straight-Chain Isomers

Straight-chain isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of their carbon atoms in a linear fashion. In the context of amines, these isomers will have variations in the positioning of the amine group (―NH₂) along the carbon chain, leading to different structural forms while maintaining the same number of carbon atoms.

Amines

Amines are organic compounds that contain a nitrogen atom bonded to one or more alkyl or aryl groups. In this case, the amine group (―NH₂) can be attached to various positions on a straight-chain hydrocarbon, influencing the properties and classification of the amine as primary, secondary, or tertiary, depending on the number of carbon groups attached to the nitrogen.

Longest Carbon Chain

The longest carbon chain in a molecule is the continuous chain of carbon atoms that contains the highest number of carbons without branching. For the question at hand, identifying the longest chain of 7 carbons is crucial, as it sets the framework for determining the possible straight-chain isomers of amines that can be formed by varying the position of the amine group along this chain.