Question

Which of the following isomerism is shown by alkanes?

• A. Chain
• B. Functional
• C. Tautomerism
• D. Conformational

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (D)

Conformational

Alkanes only show chain and conformation isomerism.

$\to$ conformational is shown because rotation along $\sigma$ bond is possible

$\to$ Chain is shown because nature of chain can be changed.

Eg $\to$

$\Rightarrow$ Tautomerism generally arises due to migration of a proton from one polyvalent atom to the other within the same molecule with necessary rearrangement of linkages.

Clearly, for an alkane (with no other substituents/Functional groups) there is no scope for showing Functional isomerism.