Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms in space. This means that even though they share the same number and types of atoms, their structural and spatial differences result in distinct chemical properties.
Hexane, with the molecular formula C6H14, has several structural isomers. Specifically, it has five different isomers:
- n-Hexane (the straight-chain structure)
- 2-Methylpentane
- 3-Methylpentane
- 2,2-Dimethylbutane
- 2,3-Dimethylbutane
These isomers differ in the connectivity of the carbon atoms in their chain, which leads to different physical and chemical properties, despite having the same molecular formula. Understanding isomers is important in chemistry, as they can behave quite differently in chemical reactions and applications.