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Isomers of Organic Compounds (CIE AS Chemistry)

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Deducing Isomers of a Compound

  • You should be able to deduce all possible isomers for organic compounds knowing their molecular formula

Worked example

How many isomers are there of dibromopropane, C3H6Br2?

Answer

Step 1: Draw the structural formula of the compound

 An Introduction to AS Level Organic Chemistry Step 1 Isomers of dibromopropane, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Step 2: Determine whether it is a stereo or structural isomer

There is no restricted bond rotation around the C-C bond, so it is structural isomerism

Step 3: Determine whether it is a functional group, chain or positional isomerism

  • Functional group? No, as Br is the only functional group possible
  • Chain? No, as the longest chain can only be 3
  • Positional? Yes, as the two bromine atoms can be bonded to different carbon atoms

 An Introduction to AS Level Organic Chemistry Step 3 Isomers of dibromopropane, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Worked example

How many isomers are there of the compound with molecular formula C4H10?

Answer:

  • Step 1: Draw the structural formula of the compound

 

An Introduction to AS Level Organic Chemistry Step 1 Deducing isomers of C4H10, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

  • Step 2: Determine whether it is a stereo or structural isomer.

    There is no restricted bond rotation around the C-C bond and there is no chiral centre so it is structural isomerism

  • Step 3: Determine whether it is a functional group, chain or positional isomerism
    • Functional group? No, as there are no functional groups
    • Positional? No, as there are no functional groups which can be positioned on different carbon atoms
    • Chain? Yes!

 

An Introduction to AS Level Organic Chemistry Answer Deducing isomers of C4H10, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Worked example

How many stereoisomers are there of the compound with molecular formula C2H2Cl2?

Answer:

  • Step 1: Draw the possible structural formula of the compound

 

An Introduction to AS Level Organic Chemistry Step 1 Deducing isomers of C2H2Cl2, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

  • Step 2: Determine whether it is a stereo or structural isomer
    • The compound has to be unsaturated for it to have molecular formula C2H2Cl2
      • Due to the double bond there is restricted rotation about the C-C bond; This compound will therefore display geometrical isomerism
    • 1,1-dichloroethene is a structural isomer of 1,2 dichloroethene and does not exhibit stereoisomerism 

  • Step 3: Determine whether it is optical or geometrical isomerism
    • Optical? No, as there are no chiral centres
    • Geometric? Yes!

    An Introduction to AS Level Organic Chemistry Answer Deducing isomers of C2H2Cl2, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

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Philippa

Author: Philippa

Expertise: Chemistry

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener.