Question

how many secondary carbon atoms are there in Isopentane

Answer 1

Hello Dear.

Total number of Secondary carbon atoms in Isopentane = 1 .

Reason / Explanation :-

We know that Normal Pentane contain two primary and three secondary atoms,

But Isopentane contains 1 secondary, 1 Tertiary & 3 Primary Carbon atoms.


Secondary carbons means - A carbon atoms which is directly attached with two other carbons.
As well in Primary , carbon atoms is attached to only one other carbon atoms.and in tertiary , A carbon atom attached with three other carbon atoms.. 

So in Isopentane,Refer to the diagram :-

 C₅H₁₂  Or (CH₃)₂-CH-CH₂-CH₃ .

Here only one secondary carbons atoms is attached with two other carbons.


Hope it Helps.

Answer 2

Isopentane contains one secondary carbon.

Secondary Carbon: A secondary carbon is a carbon atom which is bound to two other carbon atoms. For this reason, secondary carbon atoms are found in all hydrocarbons having at least of three carbon atoms. In unbranched alkanes, the inner carbon atoms are always secondary carbon atoms.