Which of the following isomerism is shown by alkanes?
Chain
Conformational
Alkanes only show chain and conformation isomerism.
→ conformational is shown because rotation along σ bond is possible
→ Chain is shown because nature of chain can be changed.
Eg →
⇒ 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.