Structural Isomerism
The total number of structural isomers possible for alcohols with the molecular formula C₄H₁₀O is:
Select the correct option:
🔒 Solution Hidden from View
Submit your answer to unlock the detailed step-by-step solution.
More some basic principles of organic chemistry Practice Questions
A saturated acyclic compound has the molecular formula C_5H_12; how many distinct structural isomers...
A saturated acyclic compound has the molecular formula C_5H_12; how many distinct structural isomers...
The stability conferred by hyperconjugation depends on alpha hydrogens; how many hyperconjugative st...
The stability conferred by hyperconjugation depends on alpha hydrogens; how many hyperconjugative st...
Comparing ammonia with methylamine in the gas-free conceptual sense of electron availability, why is...
Comparing ammonia with methylamine in the gas-free conceptual sense of electron availability, why is...
A molecule of 2,3-dibromobutane contains two similarly substituted stereocentres; how many optically...
A molecule of 2,3-dibromobutane contains two similarly substituted stereocentres; how many optically...
For a planar cyclic molecule with a continuous ring of overlapping p orbitals, what number of deloca...
For a planar cyclic molecule with a continuous ring of overlapping p orbitals, what number of deloca...
Four carbocations, allyl, benzyl, tertiary butyl, and ethyl, are to be ranked; which order correctly...
Four carbocations, allyl, benzyl, tertiary butyl, and ethyl, are to be ranked; which order correctly...
Para-nitrophenol is a markedly stronger acid than phenol itself; which electronic interaction is mai...
Para-nitrophenol is a markedly stronger acid than phenol itself; which electronic interaction is mai...
The cyclopentadienyl anion shows unusual stability for a five-membered carbanion; which property bes...
The cyclopentadienyl anion shows unusual stability for a five-membered carbanion; which property bes...
When a hydrogen atom is abstracted from different positions of an alkane, which type of carbon free ...
When a hydrogen atom is abstracted from different positions of an alkane, which type of carbon free ...
In keto-enol tautomerism, the interconversion between the two forms specifically involves the migrat...
In keto-enol tautomerism, the interconversion between the two forms specifically involves the migrat...
Among carbanions adjacent to different groups, which carbanion is the most stable owing to the stron...
Among carbanions adjacent to different groups, which carbanion is the most stable owing to the stron...
A chemist isolates a four-carbon straight chain bearing an aldehyde group at one terminal carbon; wh...
A chemist isolates a four-carbon straight chain bearing an aldehyde group at one terminal carbon; wh...
Browse all some basic principles of organic chemistry questions →
About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- some basic principles of organic chemistry
- Topic
- structural isomerism
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
4
For molecular formula C₄H₁₀O restricted to alcohols (one –OH group on a C4 carbon skeleton), we enumerate systematically:
- Butan-1-ol: CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂OH — primary, unbranched chain
- Butan-2-ol: CH₃CH₂CH(OH)CH₃ — secondary, unbranched chain
- 2-Methylpropan-1-ol: (CH₃)₂CHCH₂OH — primary, branched chain
- 2-Methylpropan-2-ol: (CH₃)₃COH — tertiary, branched chain No other arrangements are possible within a C4 skeleton with one –OH. Note that C₄H₁₀O ethers (e.g., diethyl ether, methyl propyl ether) are not alcohols and are excluded. Therefore, exactly 4 structural isomers exist as alcohols.
This hard difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter some basic principles of organic chemistry, covering the topic of structural isomerism. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
Looking for more practice? Explore all chemistry questions or browse some basic principles of organic chemistry questions on RankGuru.