Question

What is the number of acyclic compounds having the formula C4H10O? (Pls provide the explanation)

Answer 1

We know from the formula that these isomers contain no rings or double bonds.

The isomers must be alcohols and ethers.

Let's start by drawing the alcohols.

Start with four carbons in a row and put an  

OH

group in every possible position.

This gives us

1.  CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2OH , butan 1-ol

and  

2.  CH 3 CH 2 CH(OH)CH 3 , butan-2-ol

Now use a 3-carbon chain with a  

CH 3  on the middle carbon.

This gives ( CH 3 ) 2 CHCH 2 OH , 2-methylpropan-1-ol

and

( CH 3 ) 3 COH , 2-methylpropan-2-ol.

Now for the ethers.

Let's start with five atoms in a row.

This gives

CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 OCH 3 , 1-methoxypropane

and

CH 3 CH 2 OCH 2 CH 3 , ethoxyethane

Finally, the only choice for a branched-chain ether is

( CH 3 ) 2 CHOCH 3 , 2-methoxpropane.

And there are your seven isomers of  

C 4 H 10 O .