b. How many constitutional isomers can you draw for C₄H₁₀O?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functional groups that can be formed with the molecular formula C_4H_10O, such as alcohols and ethers.
2. Consider the possible carbon skeletons for C_4H_10, which include straight chains and branched chains.
3. For each carbon skeleton, determine the possible positions for the functional group (OH for alcohols or O for ethers).
4. Draw the structural formulas for each unique arrangement of atoms, ensuring that no two structures are identical (i.e., they are constitutional isomers).
5. Count the number of distinct structures you have drawn to determine the total number of constitutional isomers.

Key Concepts

Constitutional Isomers

Constitutional isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the connectivity of their atoms. This means that the arrangement of atoms in the molecule varies, leading to different structural formulas. Understanding constitutional isomers is crucial for determining the various forms a compound can take, which is essential for the question regarding C4H10O.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In the case of C4H10O, the presence of an alcohol (-OH) or ether (R-O-R') functional group can lead to different isomeric forms. Recognizing these functional groups helps in identifying the types of isomers that can be formed.

Structural Representation

Structural representation refers to the way in which the arrangement of atoms in a molecule is depicted, often through structural formulas or skeletal structures. This representation is vital for visualizing and distinguishing between different constitutional isomers. For C4H10O, drawing out the various structures will aid in identifying all possible isomers and understanding their unique properties.