Chapter 6, Problem 64P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Structures should be assigned to various possible isomeric bromoalkanes with the molecular formula ${\text{C}}_{\text{5}}{\text{H}}_{\text{11}}\text{Br}$ .

Concept introduction: Molecules that possess identical molecular formula but vary in the manner of their connectivity of the bonds are referred to as structural isomers. These are essentially found in alkanes that can be branched by removal of $\text{H}$ the group and its replacement with some alkyl group.

For instance, the smallest branched alkane possible is $\text{2-methylpropane}$ . Its molecular formula is identical with butane ${\text{C}}_{\text{4}}{\text{H}}_{\text{10}}$ but it has different connectivity. The molecular models of $\text{n-butane}$ and $\text{2-methylpropane}$ are illustrated below.

  

The two compounds, in fact, constitute a pair of constitutional isomers. These kinds of isomers are formed by cleavage and replacement of bonds, unlike the conformational isomers that result due to rotation around the bond.