Question

Which of the following hydrocarbons can show isomerism?

• A. ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_4$
• B. ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_6$
• C. ${\mathrm{C}}_3{\mathrm{H}}_8$
• D. ${\mathrm{C}}_4{\mathrm{H}}_{10}$

Answer 1

The correct option is D

${\mathrm{C}}_4{\mathrm{H}}_{10}$

The explanation for the correct option:

D) ${\mathrm{C}}_4{\mathrm{H}}_{10}$

• The compounds having the same molecular formula but different structures are known as isomers, and the property is known as isomerism.
• Butane (${\mathrm{C}}_4{\mathrm{H}}_{10}$) is the lowest hydrocarbon which shows isomerism.
• Butane has two isomers-
  i) n-butane and
  ii) Isobutane

The explanation for the incorrect options:

A) ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_4$

• This is Ethene. It does not have any isomer.
• The structure of Ethene is as follows-

B) ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_6$

• This is Ethane. It does not have any isomer.
• Its structure is as follows-

C) ${\mathrm{C}}_3{\mathrm{H}}_8$

• This is Propane. It does not have any isomer.
• Its structure is as follows-

Hence, option D) is correct. Butane $\left({\mathrm{C}}_4{\mathrm{H}}_{10}\right)$ shows isomerism.