Chapter 16, Problem 16.118EP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Condensed structural formula for all esters and carboxylic acids that have molecular formula ${\text{C}}_{\text{4}}{\text{H}}_{\text{8}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ has to be drawn.

Concept Introduction:

Organic compounds are represented shortly by the molecular formula and structural formula.  Each and every compound has its own molecular formula.  Compounds can have same molecular formula but not same structural formula.

Isomers are the compounds that have same molecular formula but different structural formula.  The main difference lies in the way the atoms are arranged in the structure.  Isomers have different chemical and physical properties even when they have same molecular formula.

Functional group isomerism is the one in which the functional group of two compounds are totally different but the molecular formula of the compounds remains the same.  Carboxylic acid and esters that have same number of carbon atoms and same degree of saturation can have functional group isomerism.  This is a type of constitutional isomerism.

Positional isomerism exists in esters when the alkyl group and acyl group carbon chain can be arranged in different ways.