Question

(a) Define the term 'isomers'.
(b) Draw two possible isomers of the compounds with molecular formula $C_3{H}_{6}O$ and write their names.
(c) Give the electron dot structures of the above two compounds.

Answer 1

a. An isomer is a molecule with the same molecular formula as another molecule, but with a different chemical structure. That is, isomers contain the same number of atoms of each element but have different arrangements of their atoms.

b. Isomers with formula $C_3{H}_{6}O$:

1. Propanal, $C{H}_{3}C{H}_2-CHO$,

2. Propanone or acetone, $C{H}_3-CO-C{H}_3$

c. The electron dot structures of the above two compounds are as shown in the figure.