Step 1: Chain isomerism
Chain isomerism occurs when there is a difference in the atomic arrangement of the carbon to the carbon chain of a molecule. If two or more compounds have the same type of molecular formula with different main chains, then they are said to exhibit the property of Chain isomerism. This phenomenon is also called as skeletal isomerism.
Step 2: Chain isomers for
C6H14 Chain isomers of given molecular formula
C6H14 can be given as –
(i)
CH3−CH2−CH2−CH2−CH2−CH3
IUPAC Name : n-Hexane
(ii)
IUPAC Name : 2-Methylpentane
(iii)
IUPAC Name : 3-Methylpentane
(iv)
IUPAC Name : 2,3-Dimethylbutane
(v)
IUPAC Name : 2,2-Dimethylbutane
Hence, 5 chain isomers for
C6H14 are possible.