Photo AI
The diagram shows the structural formula of a gas - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 4
The diagram shows the structural formula of a gas. H F H — C — C — F H F How many isomers does this compound have? (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows the structural formula of a gas - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
How many isomers does this compound have?
Answer
To determine the number of isomers for the compound represented by the given structure, we need to analyze its carbon skeleton and the substituents attached to the carbon atoms.
-
Identify the compound: The provided structure indicates a compound with two carbon atoms (C) and four fluorine atoms (F) with four hydrogen atoms (H) attached to it. The most likely molecular formula is C2H4F4.
-
Consider the arrangement: The two carbon atoms can be arranged in different ways to produce structural isomers. In this case, we can have different placements of the fluorine and hydrogen atoms.
-
Classify the isomers: For C2H4F4, the main structural isomer is the straight chain. Since the two carbon atoms can rotate around the bond connecting them, this can generate various configurations:
- Isomer 1: All fluorine atoms on one carbon, all hydrogen on the other.
- Isomer 2: One fluorine and one hydrogen on each carbon.
Given these arrangements, it can be concluded that the compound can have two unique isomers.
Therefore, the correct answer is (B) 2.