Question

Which of following can show isomerism
a)C2H4
b)C2H6
c)C4H10
d)C3H8

Answer 1

The compound which shows isomerism among the following is d)$C_{4} H_{10}$

Isomers

Isomers are chemical compounds with the same chemical formula but different structural arrangements. If we consider structure as a basis there are three types of isomers. Chain, Functional group, and positional isomers.

Conditions for isomerism

• Isomerism can only occur when the compound is an alkane and has more than three carbon atoms. alkanes with less than two carbon atoms cannot have isomers.
• The side chains which are present in the compound shouldn't be present in the terminal carbons. If present in the terminal carbons the compound cannot have an isomer.
• In the given option $C_{2} H_{4}$, $C_{2} H_{6}$, $C_{3} H_{8}$ have carbon atoms either less than 3 or 3 hence these compounds cannot have isomers. Only $C_{4} H_{10}$ can have isomer as if qualifies all the criteria.

Hence, $C_{4} H_{10}$ that is Butane is the compound that can have isomers. Even if the compounds are isomers they can have different physical and chemical properties.