When we talk about constitutional isomers, we’re referring to compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structures. For C6H14, which represents hexane, there are five distinct constitutional isomers. Here’s a breakdown of each one:
- Hexane: This is the straight-chain form of the molecule. All six carbon atoms are connected in a linear arrangement.
- 2-Methylpentane: In this isomer, a methyl group (–CH3) is attached to the second carbon of a five-carbon chain.
- 3-Methylpentane: Similar to the previous isomer, but the methyl group is now attached to the third carbon of a five-carbon chain.
- 2,2-Dimethylbutane: This isomer has two methyl groups attached to the second carbon of a four-carbon chain.
- 2,3-Dimethylbutane: Here, two methyl groups are attached but to the second and third carbons of a four-carbon chain.
To visualize, you can draw the structures of these isomers:
- Hexane: H3C-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3
- 2-Methylpentane: H3C-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH2-CH3
- 3-Methylpentane: H3C-CH2-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH3
- 2,2-Dimethylbutane: H3C-CH(CH3)2-CH2-CH3
- 2,3-Dimethylbutane: H3C-CH(CH3)-CH(CH3)-CH3
In summary, these five constitutional isomers of C6H14 show the diversity in structure that can arise from a given molecular formula, revealing insights into physical and chemical properties.