Which compounds have constitutional isomers?

Answer 1

In chemistry, isomers (from Greek ισομερης, isomerès; isos = "equal", méros = "part") are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulas. Isomers do not necessarily share similar properties, unless they also have the same functional groups. There are many different classes of isomers, like stereoisomers, enantiomers, geometrical isomers, etc. (see chart below). There are two[citation needed] main forms of isomerism: structural isomerism and stereoisomerism (spatial isomerism).

Answer 2

Compounds that have different connectivity of atoms but the same molecular formula are called constitutional isomers. For example, butane and isobutane are constitutional isomers since they have the same molecular formula (C4H10) but different structures. Other examples include pentane and neopentane, as well as ethanol and dimethyl ether.

Answer 3

Isomers are different compounds that share the same molecular formula. There are two major types of isomers: constitutional isomers and stereoisomers. Constitutional isomers are "different compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the sequence in which their atoms are bonded, that is, their connectivity" (Solomons and Fryhle, 6). These structural differences typically give rise to differences in the physical and chemical properties of constitutional isomers.

For example, acetone and propylene oxide and acetone are constitutional isomers. Both compounds have the molecular formula C3H6O; however, the connectivity of the atoms is very different. The structural formula of acetone is C3H6O, while the structural formula of propylene oxide is CH3CHCH2O. A striking difference between these compounds is the central carbon atom of acetone connects to the oxygen via a double bond, while the propylene oxide contains no double bond but rather has three atoms joined in a ring. To be certain, the constitutions of these compounds are different.

Works Cited

Solomons, Thomas W., and Craig B. Fryhle. Organic Chemistry. 10th ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2000. Print.

Answer 4

Just about any compound with more than 3 atoms can exist as a different constitutional isomer.