sm_logo.gif (1738 bytes) Structural Isomers

- Consider compounds with the molecular formula C4H10.
- There are two valid structures that fit this molecular formula.
A linear structure: A branched structure:

      

n-butane

iso-butane (or 2-methylpropane)

Model:

Model:

These two compounds are structural isomers, they have the same number of carbon atoms (four) and hydrogen atoms (ten), but the atoms are connected differently.
- Consider compounds with the molecular formula C4H9Br.
- There are four valid structures with this molecular formula.

Two have linear carbon skeletons:

1-bromobutane

2-bromobutane

Model:

Model:

Two have branched carbon skeletons:

1-bromo-2-methylpropane 2-bromo-2-methylpropane
Model: Model:
Again, these four compounds are all structural isomers of each other.
They contain the same number and types of atoms, but the atoms are connected differently.

Copyright © 1996 -1999, 2007 by Frank R. Gorga - All rights reserved.

Last Update: 12-Mar-2007