Chapter 22, Problem 2RQ

How do two structural isomers differ from each other?

To determine

The difference between two structural isomers.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

Two structural isomers have different carbon chain arrangements or structures. They exhibit different chemical and physical properties.

Explanation of Solution

The structural formula is the representation of molecular structure in detail showing how atoms are arranged in three-dimensional space. The compounds having the same chemical formula but have different spatial arrangements of atoms are called isomers.

If the molecules possess the same chemical formula but have different carbon chain arrangements, then it is called structural isomers. They exhibit different chemical and physical properties. For example, n-pentane and iso-pentane both have same chemical formula of ${\text{C}}_{\text{5}}{\text{H}}_{\text{12}}$ but they have different boiling points. The boiling point of, n-pentane is $\text{36}{}^{\text{ο}}\text{C}$ but the boiling point of, iso-pentane is $\text{30}{}^{\text{ο}}\text{C}$.

Conclusion:

Therefore, two structural isomers differ from each other as they have the same chemical formula but different carbon chain arrangements or structures. They exhibit different chemical and physical properties.