Q.Name the following halides according to IUPAC system and classify them as alkyl, allyl, benzyl (primary, secondary, tertiary), vinyl or aryl halides:
Concept understanding — Structural Isomerism
Structural Isomerism: The First Meeting
Imagine you have a box of identical Lego bricks — four red, ten blue, and six yellow. You build two different models: a car and a house. Both use exactly the same number of each colour brick, but the structures are completely different. That is the core idea of isomerism: same atoms, different arrangement.
In chemistry, molecules are not just a list of atoms. How those atoms are connected matters enormously. Two molecules can have the exact same molecular formula (same number of each atom) but be connected in different ways. Those are structural isomers (also called constitutional isomers).
The Precise Statement
Structural isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different connectivity of atoms — that is, different structural formulas.
The key word is connectivity. Which atom is bonded to which? If you change that, you get a different substance with different physical and chemical properties.
A Concrete Example: C₄H₁₀
Take butane, C₄H₁₀. There are exactly two ways to connect four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms:
- n-Butane — a straight chain: C–C–C–C
- Isobutane (2-methylpropane) — a branched chain: a central carbon bonded to three methyl groups
Both have formula C₄H₁₀. But n-butane boils at –0.5 °C, while isobutane boils at –11.7 °C. Same atoms, different connectivity → different substance.
Structural isomers are not the same molecule. They are distinct compounds that happen to share a molecular formula. You cannot rotate or flip one to get the other — you must break and reform bonds.
The Three Main Types
Structural isomerism comes in three flavours:
| Type | What changes | Example (C₃H₆O) |
|---|---|---|
| Chain isomerism | The carbon skeleton (straight vs. branched) | Butane vs. isobutane |
| Position isomerism | The location of a functional group or substituent | Propan-1-ol vs. propan-2-ol (OH on carbon 1 vs. carbon 2) |
| Functional group isomerism | The atoms are rearranged into a different functional group | Propanal (aldehyde) vs. propanone (ketone) — both C₃H₆O |
Do not confuse structural isomers with stereoisomers. Stereoisomers have the same connectivity but differ in spatial arrangement (like left and right hands). That is a completely different chapter. For now: structural isomers = different bond connections.
Why This Matters
Structural isomers can have wildly different properties. Ethanol (C₂H₆O) is a drinkable alcohol; its isomer dimethyl ether is a gas used as a refrigerant. Same atoms, but one is a liquid you can consume, the other is a gas that would kill you. That is why chemists care so much about connectivity — it determines everything.
Quick Check
Question: Are these structural isomers?
Molecule A: CH₃–CH₂–CH₂–CH₃
Molecule B: CH₃–CH(CH₃)–CH₃
Answer: Yes. Both are C₄H₁₀. A is n-butane (straight chain), B is isobutane (branched). Different connectivity → structural isomers.
The molecular formula must be identical. If the formulas differ, they are not isomers at all — just different compounds.
Structural isomerism is introduced in the NCERT/CBSE Class 11 Chemistry chapter on Organic Chemistry: Some Basic Principles and Techniques, and ‘structural isomerism examples class 11’ is a frequently searched important-question topic for board exams, JEE Main and NEET. Correctly distinguishing structural isomers by connectivity, rather than just matching molecular formulas, is a skill tested throughout competitive organic chemistry exams.
Why this formula?
Structural Isomerism: Why the Key Ideas Hold
Structural isomerism arises when molecules share the same molecular formula but differ in the connectivity of atoms. There is no single "formula" for structural isomerism — instead, the key is understanding why different arrangements are possible.
The Core Principle: Connectivity ≠ Composition
A molecular formula tells you how many of each atom are present, but not how they are joined. Structural isomers exist because atoms can form bonds in multiple distinct sequences while satisfying valency rules.
Why This Happens: The Valency Constraint
Each atom has a fixed bonding capacity (valency):
- Carbon: 4 bonds
- Hydrogen: 1 bond
- Oxygen: 2 bonds
- Nitrogen: 3 bonds
Example: For C4H10, the formula satisfies 4(4)+10(1)=26 valence electrons. But the carbon atoms can be arranged as:
- A straight chain: CH3−CH2−CH2−CH3 (n-butane)
- A branched chain: CH3−CH(CH3)−CH3 (isobutane)
Both satisfy valency, but the connectivity differs.
The "Formula" for Counting Isomers: Why It's Not Simple
There is no closed-form formula to count structural isomers for a given molecular formula. The number grows rapidly and depends on:
- Carbon skeleton branching possibilities
- Functional group positions
- Ring formation possibilities
Why No Simple Formula Exists
The problem is combinatorial — the number of possible trees (acyclic graphs) with n carbon atoms grows exponentially. For example:
- C4H10: 2 structural isomers
- C5H12: 3 structural isomers
- C6H14: 5 structural isomers
- C10H22: 75 structural isomers
The pattern follows Cayley's formula for trees, but even that counts only carbon skeletons — not functional group positions.
Key Reasoning: The Branching Principle
The fundamental reason structural isomers exist is that carbon chains can branch. Consider C5H12:
- Straight chain: C−C−C−C−C (n-pentane)
- One branch: C−C−C(C)−C (isopentane) — the branch can be at position 2 or 3, but these are identical due to symmetry
- Two branches: C−C(C)(C)−C (neopentane) — a quaternary carbon
Why position matters: The branch location changes the carbon's environment, altering physical and chemical properties.
The Functional Group Position Rule
For compounds with functional groups (e.g., alcohols CnH2n+2O), the position of the -OH group creates isomers:
- CH3CH2CH2OH (propan-1-ol) — OH at end
- CH3CH(OH)CH3 (propan-2-ol) — OH in middle
Why these are distinct: The OH group's position changes the carbon's hybridization environment and the molecule's polarity.
The Ring-Chain Isomerism Reason
For unsaturated formulas like C4H8, the same formula can represent:
- A straight alkene: CH2=CH−CH2−CH3
- A branched alkene: CH3−C(=CH2)−CH3
- A cycloalkane: cyclobutane (ring)
Why rings form: Carbon atoms can bond to form closed loops, reducing the number of hydrogen atoms needed. The formula CnH2n can be either an alkene (one double bond) or a cycloalkane (one ring).
Summary: The Takeaway
| Aspect | Why It Holds |
|---|---|
| Different connectivity | Atoms can bond in multiple sequences while satisfying valency |
| No simple counting formula | The number of possible trees grows combinatorially |
| Branching creates isomers | Carbon chains can have branches at different positions |
| Position matters | Functional groups at different locations change properties |
| Rings vs. chains | Same formula can represent open chains or closed rings |
The key insight: Structural isomerism exists because molecular formula is a constraint, not a blueprint — it tells you the ingredients, not the recipe.
Concept: Structural Isomerism (IUPAC Nomenclature & Classification of Halides)
Reasoning steps:
- Identify the longest carbon chain containing the halogen (or the functional group) for the IUPAC name. Number the chain to give the halogen the lowest possible locant.
- For classification: if the halogen is attached to an sp3 carbon of an alkyl chain → alkyl halide (further classify as 1°, 2°, 3° based on that carbon). If attached to an sp2 carbon of a benzene ring → aryl halide. If attached to an sp2 carbon of an alkene → vinyl halide. If attached to a carbon adjacent to a benzene ring → benzyl halide. If attached to a carbon adjacent to a C=C bond → allyl halide.
- Apply these rules to each compound.
(i) 2-chloro-3-methylbutane, secondary alkyl halide (ii) 3-chloro-4-methylhexane, secondary alkyl halide (iii) 1-iodo-2,2-dimethylbutane, primary alkyl halide (iv) 1-bromo-3,3-dimethyl-1-phenylbutane, secondary benzyl halide (v) 2-bromo-3-methylbutane, secondary alkyl halide (vi) 3-(bromomethyl)-3-methylpentane, primary alkyl halide (vii) 3-chloro-3-methylpentane, tertiary alkyl halide (viii) 3-chloro-5-methylhex-2-ene, vinyl halide (ix) 4-bromo-4-methylpent-2-ene, allyl halide (tertiary) (x) 1-chloro-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzene, aryl halide (Cl is bonded directly to the aromatic ring) (xi) 1-(chloromethyl)-3-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)benzene, primary benzyl halide (xii) 1-bromo-2-(1-methylpropyl)benzene, aryl halide (Br is bonded directly to the aromatic ring)
Classification depends on the carbon holding the halogen: sp3 in a chain (alkyl), sp3 one carbon from a C=C (allylic), sp3 directly on a benzene ring (benzylic), sp2 on a C=C itself (vinyl), or sp2 directly on the ring (aryl). Alkyl/allylic/benzylic carbons are further ranked 1 degree/2 degree/3 degree by how many other carbons they are bonded to.
This problem tests IUPAC naming and halide classification together. The rule that decides classification: look only at the carbon that is actually bonded to the halogen.
- Bonded to an sp3 carbon in a plain chain: alkyl halide.
- Bonded to an sp3 carbon that sits one carbon away from a C=C double bond: allylic halide.
- Bonded to an sp3 carbon that is directly attached to a benzene ring: benzylic halide.
- Bonded directly to an sp2 carbon of a C=C double bond: vinyl halide.
- Bonded directly to an sp2 carbon of the benzene ring itself: aryl halide.
Within alkyl/allylic/benzylic, the carbon is 1 degree, 2 degree or 3 degree by how many OTHER carbons it is bonded to (1, 2 or 3).
IUPAC naming always uses the longest chain through the halogen-bearing carbon (never a shorter chain just because it looks simpler), and when two numbering directions give the same locant set, the substituent that comes first alphabetically gets the lower number.
(i) (CH3)2CHCH(Cl)CH3
Longest chain: 4 carbons. Numbering from the end nearer Cl gives Cl at C2, methyl at C3: 2-chloro-3-methylbutane. The Cl-bearing carbon (C2) is bonded to C1 and C3, two carbon neighbours, so it is a secondary alkyl halide.
(ii) CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH(C2H5)Cl
The longest chain runs through the ethyl branch, not around it: CH3-CH2-CH(CH3)-CH(Cl)-CH2-CH3, six carbons. Both numbering directions give the locant set {3,4} for Cl and methyl; chloro precedes methyl alphabetically, so Cl takes the lower number: 3-chloro-4-methylhexane. The Cl carbon (C3) is bonded to C2 and C4, so it is a secondary alkyl halide.
(iii) CH3CH2C(CH3)2CH2I
Longest chain: 4 carbons (going through either gem-dimethyl branch gives the same length). Numbering from the I end: 1-iodo-2,2-dimethylbutane. The I-bearing carbon (C1, CH2I) is bonded to only C2, so it is a primary alkyl halide.
(iv) (CH3)3CCH2CH(Br)C6H5
The carbon bearing Br is CH(Br), and it is bonded directly to the phenyl ring with no CH2 in between, which is exactly the definition of benzylic. Longest chain (4 carbons, numbered from the Br/phenyl end for the lower locant set {1,1,3,3}): 1-bromo-3,3-dimethyl-1-phenylbutane. That C1 is bonded to the ring carbon and to C2, two carbon neighbours, so it is a secondary benzylic halide.
(v) CH3CH(CH3)CH(Br)CH3
Longest chain: 4 carbons. Bromo precedes methyl alphabetically, so on the tied locant set Br takes C2: 2-bromo-3-methylbutane. The Br carbon (C2) is bonded to C1 and C3, so it is a secondary alkyl halide.
(vi) CH3C(C2H5)2CH2Br
The longest chain runs through both ethyl groups (5 carbons), leaving the original CH3 and CH2Br as branches on the middle carbon: 3-(bromomethyl)-3-methylpentane. The Br carbon is the terminal carbon of the bromomethyl branch, bonded to only the ring carbon of the main chain, so it is a primary alkyl halide.
(vii) CH3C(Cl)(C2H5)CH2CH3
The longest chain again runs through both ethyl groups (5 carbons), with the original methyl left as a branch on the central carbon: 3-chloro-3-methylpentane. That carbon is bonded to three other carbons, so it is a tertiary alkyl halide.
(viii) CH3CH=C(Cl)CH2CH(CH3)2
Six-carbon chain (extending through the isopropyl end); the double bond gets the lowest possible locant, C2: 3-chloro-5-methylhex-2-ene. Cl sits directly on the sp2 double-bond carbon (C3), so it is a vinyl halide.
(ix) CH3CH=CHC(Br)(CH3)2
Five-carbon chain (extending through one of the two methyls on the Br carbon); double bond at C2: 4-bromo-4-methylpent-2-ene. The Br carbon (C4) is sp3, one carbon from the C2=C3 double bond, and bonded to three other carbons, so it is a tertiary allylic halide.
(x) p-ClC6H4CH2CH(CH3)2
Cl sits directly on the ring, para to the isobutyl side chain, so this is an aryl halide: 1-chloro-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzene.
(xi) m-ClCH2C6H4CH2C(CH3)3
The Cl is on a CH2 group that is itself attached to the ring (meta to the other side chain), not on the ring directly, so this is a primary benzylic halide: 1-(chloromethyl)-3-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)benzene.
(xii) o-BrC6H4CH(CH3)CH2CH3
Br sits directly on the ring, ortho to the sec-butyl side chain, so this is an aryl halide: 1-bromo-2-(1-methylpropyl)benzene.
The diagram is the fast way to tell aryl from benzylic: if the halogen (or its substituent label) sits directly on a ring vertex, it is aryl; if it sits on a chain carbon drawn just outside the ring, it is benzylic. The ring position (ortho/meta/para) only matters for naming, not for the alkyl/aryl/benzylic call itself.
- 2-chloro-3-methylbutane, secondary alkyl;
- 3-chloro-4-methylhexane, secondary alkyl;
- 1-iodo-2,2-dimethylbutane, primary alkyl;
- 1-bromo-3,3-dimethyl-1-phenylbutane, secondary benzylic;
- 2-bromo-3-methylbutane, secondary alkyl;
- 3-(bromomethyl)-3-methylpentane, primary alkyl;
- 3-chloro-3-methylpentane, tertiary alkyl;
- 3-chloro-5-methylhex-2-ene, vinyl;
- 4-bromo-4-methylpent-2-ene, tertiary allylic;
- 1-chloro-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzene, aryl; (xi) 1-(chloromethyl)-3-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)benzene, primary benzylic; (xii) 1-bromo-2-(1-methylpropyl)benzene, aryl.
Method: IUPAC Naming + Functional Group Classification
This method has two clear steps for each compound:
- IUPAC Naming — Identify the longest carbon chain (including the halogen as a substituent), number to give the halogen the lowest locant, and name according to IUPAC rules.
- Classification — Determine the carbon to which the halogen is attached:
- Alkyl halide: Halogen on an sp³ carbon of an alkane chain.
- Allyl halide: Halogen on an sp³ carbon adjacent to a C=C bond.
- Benzyl halide: Halogen on an sp³ carbon directly attached to a benzene ring.
- Vinyl halide: Halogen on an sp² carbon of a C=C bond.
- Aryl halide: Halogen directly attached to a benzene ring.
- Further classify alkyl/allyl/benzyl as primary (1°), secondary (2°), or tertiary (3°) based on the number of carbon atoms attached to the halogen-bearing carbon.
(i) (CH3)2CHCH(Cl)CH3
IUPAC name: 2-Chloro-3-methylbutane
Classification: Alkyl halide, secondary (2°) — Cl is on C-2, which has two other carbons attached.
(ii) CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH(C2H5)Cl
IUPAC name: 3-Chloro-4-methylhexane
Classification: Alkyl halide, secondary (2°) — Cl is on C-3, which has two carbons attached.
(iii) CH3CH2C(CH3)2CH2I
IUPAC name: 1-Iodo-2,2-dimethylbutane
Classification: Alkyl halide, primary (1°) — I is on a terminal CH₂ group.
(iv) (CH3)3CCH2CH(Br)C6H5
IUPAC name: 1-Bromo-3,3-dimethyl-1-phenylbutane
Classification: Benzyl halide, secondary (2°) — Br is on an sp³ carbon that is directly attached to the benzene ring, and that carbon has two other carbons attached.
(v) CH3CH(CH3)CH(Br)CH3
IUPAC name: 2-Bromo-3-methylbutane
Classification: Alkyl halide, secondary (2°) — Br is on C-2, which has two carbons attached.
(vi) CH3C(C2H5)2CH2Br
IUPAC name: 3-(Bromomethyl)-3-methylpentane — the longest chain runs through BOTH ethyl arms of the central carbon (2 + 1 + 2 = 5 carbons, pentane), leaving the original methyl and the CH2Br as two substituents on C-3.
Classification: Alkyl halide, primary (1°) — the Br-bearing carbon (the CH2Br branch) is attached to only ONE other carbon (C-3 of the pentane chain).
(vii) CH3C(Cl)(C2H5)CH2CH3
IUPAC name: 3-Chloro-3-methylpentane
Classification: Alkyl halide, tertiary (3°) — Cl is on a carbon attached to three other carbons.
(viii) CH3CH=C(Cl)CH2CH(CH3)2
IUPAC name: 3-Chloro-5-methylhex-2-ene
Classification: Vinyl halide — Cl is directly attached to an sp² carbon of the C=C bond.
(ix) CH3CH=CHC(Br)(CH3)2
IUPAC name: 4-Bromo-4-methylpent-2-ene
Classification: Allyl halide, tertiary (3°) — Br is on an sp³ carbon adjacent to the C=C bond, and that carbon has three other carbons attached.
(x) p-ClC6H4CH2CH(CH3)2
IUPAC name: 1-Chloro-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzene
Classification: Aryl halide — Cl is directly attached to the benzene ring.
(xi) m-ClCH2C6H4CH2C(CH3)3
IUPAC name: 1-(Chloromethyl)-3-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)benzene
Classification: Benzyl halide, primary (1°) — Cl is on a CH₂ group that is directly attached to the benzene ring.
(xii) o-BrC6H4CH(CH3)CH2CH3
IUPAC name: 1-Bromo-2-(1-methylpropyl)benzene
Classification: Aryl halide — Br is directly attached to the benzene ring.
Quick Reference Table for Classification
| Halogen attached to | Type |
|---|---|
| sp³ carbon of alkane | Alkyl (1°/2°/3°) |
| sp³ carbon next to C=C | Allyl (1°/2°/3°) |
| sp³ carbon next to benzene ring | Benzyl (1°/2°/3°) |
| sp² carbon of C=C | Vinyl |
| Carbon of benzene ring | Aryl |
Common Mistakes in Structural Isomerism & IUPAC Naming of Halides
Mistake 1: Wrong Parent Chain Selection (Longest Chain Rule)
The Error: Students often pick a chain that looks "straight" but isn't the longest continuous carbon chain. For example, in compound (ii):
CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH(C2H5)Cl
Many choose a 5-carbon chain, missing the 6-carbon chain that includes the ethyl group.
How to Avoid: Always number every carbon atom in the structure. Draw the skeleton and trace all possible continuous paths. The longest chain wins — even if it bends.
Mistake 2: Wrong Locant Numbering (Lowest Set of Locants)
The Error: Students number from the wrong end. For compound (i):
(CH3)2CHCH(Cl)CH3
Some number from left: 1,2,3,4 — giving Cl at position 3. But numbering from right gives Cl at position 2, which is lower.
Correct: 2-chloro-3-methylbutane (not 3-chloro-2-methylbutane)
How to Avoid: Apply the first point of difference rule — number from the end that gives the lowest locant to the substituent (halogen gets priority over alkyl groups in numbering).
Mistake 3: Confusing Alkyl vs. Allyl vs. Vinyl vs. Benzyl Halides
The Error: Students misclassify based on the halogen atom's position relative to unsaturation or aromatic ring.
Key Distinctions:
| Type | Halogen attached to |
|---|---|
| Alkyl | sp3 carbon (saturated) |
| Allyl | sp3 carbon adjacent to C=C |
| Vinyl | sp2 carbon of C=C |
| Benzyl | sp3 carbon adjacent to benzene ring |
| Aryl | sp2 carbon of benzene ring |
Example of confusion: Compound (ix):
CH3CH=CHC(Br)(CH3)2
Br is on an sp3 carbon adjacent to C=C → Allyl halide (not vinyl)
How to Avoid: Draw the structure. Check:
- Is halogen on sp2 carbon? → Vinyl or Aryl
- Is halogen on sp3 carbon next to C=C? → Allyl
- Is halogen on sp3 carbon next to benzene? → Benzyl
- Otherwise → Alkyl
Mistake 4: Wrong Primary/Secondary/Tertiary Classification
The Error: Students classify based on the carbon bearing the halogen but forget to count how many carbons are attached to it.
Rule: Count only carbon atoms directly attached to the halogen-bearing carbon.
Example: Compound (v):
CH3CH(CH3)CH(Br)CH3
The Br-bearing carbon (C-3 of the butane chain) is bonded to exactly two
other carbons — C-2 (the branched CH) and C-4 (the terminal CH3). The
methyl branch on C-2 is NOT a neighbour of the Br-bearing carbon itself, so
it doesn't count.
That's 2 carbons → Secondary (a common trap: counting a
neighbour's branch as if it were your own)
How to Avoid: Circle the carbon with halogen. Count its neighbours — only carbon atoms, not hydrogen.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Alphabetical Order in IUPAC Names
The Error: Writing substituents in order of appearance rather than alphabetical order.
Example: Compound (x):
p-ClC6H4CH2CH(CH3)2
Correct: 1-chloro-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzene (chloro before methyl in alphabet)
How to Avoid: When listing substituents, sort them alphabetically (ignoring prefixes like di-, tri-). Chloro (c) comes before methyl (m).
Mistake 6: Forgetting to Number the Benzene Ring Properly
The Error: In compounds like (x), (xi), (xii), students don't assign locants correctly on the aromatic ring.
Example: Compound (xii):
o-BrC6H4CH(CH3)CH2CH3
Both substituents — bromo and the (1-methylpropyl) side chain (i.e. sec-butyl) — are ortho, so the locant set is {1,2} either way. The tie is broken alphabetically: bromo comes before methylpropyl, so bromine gets locant 1. Students sometimes give the side chain locant 1 instead, or misname the side chain.
Correct: 1-bromo-2-(1-methylpropyl)benzene — exactly one bromine, on the ring; the side chain is (1-methylpropyl), not a bromopropyl group.
How to Avoid: When the locant set ties both ways, the substituent that comes first alphabetically gets the lower locant. Name the side chain as a complex substituent — (1-methylpropyl) — and never invent extra halogens the structure does not have.
Mistake 7: Misidentifying the Halogen's Position in Complex Branches
The Error: In compound (xi):
m-ClCH2C6H4CH2C(CH3)3
Students think Cl is on the ring (aryl) — but it's on a CH2 group attached to the ring → Benzyl halide
How to Avoid: Check if the halogen is directly on the ring carbon (sp2) or on a side chain carbon (sp3). If it's on a carbon next to the ring, it's benzyl.
Quick Summary Table for Classification
| Compound | IUPAC Name | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| (i) | 2-chloro-3-methylbutane | Secondary alkyl |
| (ii) | 3-chloro-4-methylhexane | Secondary alkyl |
| (iii) | 1-iodo-2,2-dimethylbutane | Primary alkyl |
| (iv) | 1-bromo-3,3-dimethyl-1-phenylbutane | Secondary benzyl |
| (v) | 2-bromo-3-methylbutane | Secondary alkyl |
| (vi) | 3-(bromomethyl)-3-methylpentane | Primary alkyl |
| (vii) | 3-chloro-3-methylpentane | Tertiary alkyl |
| (viii) | 3-chloro-5-methylhex-2-ene | Vinyl |
| (ix) | 4-bromo-4-methyl-2-pentene | Tertiary allyl |
| (x) | 1-chloro-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzene | Aryl (Cl is on the ring itself) |
| (xi) | 1-(chloromethyl)-3-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)benzene | Primary benzyl |
| (xii) | 1-bromo-2-(1-methylpropyl)benzene | Aryl (Br is on the ring itself) |
Final Tip: Always draw the full structure before naming or classifying — visualising the carbon skeleton eliminates most errors.
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-M1 markMCQQ.The number of structural isomers possible for a compound with molecular formula C3H9 N is: (A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 2 (D) 5
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to count all distinct amine and quaternary ammonium structures for C₃H₉N by considering different carbon skeletons and nitrogen substitution patterns. The total number of structural isomers is 4.
Concept & Intuition
For a molecular formula C₃H₉N, the nitrogen can be primary (‑NH₂), secondary (‑NH‑), tertiary (‑N‑), or quaternary (‑N⁺‑ with a counterion, but here we treat neutral amines). The carbon skeleton can be a straight chain (propyl) or branched (isopropyl). Each arrangement of the nitrogen along the chain and its degree of substitution gives a distinct structural isomer. We systematically list all possibilities, being careful not to double-count.
Step-by-step reasoning
-
Identify possible carbon skeletons
With three carbons, only two skeletons exist:
- Straight chain: C–C–C (propyl)
- Branched: C–C(C) (isopropyl, i.e., a central carbon with two methyl groups)
-
Place nitrogen as a primary amine (–NH₂)
- On the straight chain:
- 1‑aminopropane: CH₃–CH₂–CH₂–NH₂
- 2‑aminopropane: CH₃–CH(NH₂)–CH₃
- On the branched skeleton:
- The only distinct primary amine is 2‑aminopropane again (same as above). So no new isomer. → 2 primary amines (1‑aminopropane and 2‑aminopropane).
- On the straight chain:
-
Place nitrogen as a secondary amine (–NH–)
The nitrogen is inserted between two carbon groups.
- Straight chain possibilities:
- N‑methyl‑ethylamine: CH₃–NH–CH₂–CH₃ (ethyl group + methyl group on N)
- N‑ethyl‑methylamine is the same compound.
- Branched skeleton:
- N‑methyl‑isopropylamine: (CH₃)₂CH–NH–CH₃
- Also consider N‑propylamine? That would be primary. So only these two. → 2 secondary amines (N‑methylethylamine and N‑methylisopropylamine).
- Straight chain possibilities:
-
Place nitrogen as a tertiary amine (–N– with three carbon groups)
- All three carbons must be attached to nitrogen.
- The only possibility is trimethylamine: (CH₃)₃N
- No other arrangement (e.g., ethyldimethylamine would need 4 carbons). → 1 tertiary amine.
-
Check for quaternary ammonium (salt) structures
The formula C₃H₉N is neutral; a quaternary ammonium would require a counterion (e.g., Cl⁻) and would have formula C₃H₁₀N⁺, so not counted here.
→ 0 quaternary isomers.
-
Total count
Primary: 2
Secondary: 2
Tertiary: 1
Total = 5? Wait — we must check for duplicates.
- 2‑aminopropane (primary) and N‑methylisopropylamine (secondary) are different.
- However, note that N‑methylethylamine and N‑methylisopropylamine are distinct. So total distinct structural isomers = 2 + 2 + 1 = 5. But the options given are 2, 3, 4, 5. The correct answer is 4? Let’s re-examine carefully.
Watch outA common mistake is to count 2‑aminopropane and N‑methylisopropylamine as separate, but they are indeed different. However, many textbooks consider only amine isomers (primary, secondary, tertiary) and sometimes forget that N‑methylethylamine and N‑methylisopropylamine are both valid. Let’s list them explicitly:
- (1) CH₃CH₂CH₂NH₂ (1‑aminopropane)
- (2) CH₃CH(NH₂)CH₃ (2‑aminopropane)
- (3) CH₃CH₂NHCH₃ (N‑methylethylamine)
- (4) (CH₃)₂CHNHCH₃ (N‑methylisopropylamine)
- (5) (CH₃)₃N (trimethylamine)
That’s 5. But the official answer for C₃H₉N is often given as 4 because N‑methylisopropylamine is sometimes considered identical to N‑methylethylamine? No, they are different. Let’s check the carbon count: N‑methylisopropylamine has an isopropyl group (3 carbons) and a methyl (1 carbon) — total 4 carbons? Wait, isopropyl is C₃H₇–, so N‑methylisopropylamine is (CH₃)₂CH–NH–CH₃, which has 4 carbons? No: isopropyl = 3 carbons, methyl = 1 carbon, total 4 carbons attached to N. But the formula C₃H₉N only has 3 carbons total. So this is impossible!
TipAlways check the total carbon count: each alkyl group attached to nitrogen consumes carbons. For C₃H₉N, the sum of carbons in all alkyl groups must equal 3.
- Primary: one alkyl group of 3 carbons (propyl or isopropyl).
- Secondary: two alkyl groups summing to 3 carbons: possibilities (1,2) → methyl + ethyl; (2,1) same; (1,1,?) no, that’s tertiary.
- Tertiary: three alkyl groups summing to 3 carbons: only (1,1,1) → three methyls.
Thus N‑methylisopropylamine would have groups methyl (1C) + isopropyl (3C) = 4C — not allowed. So the correct secondary amines are only those with total 3 carbons:
- Methyl + ethyl = 3C → N‑methylethylamine (CH₃NHCH₂CH₃)
- No other combination (e.g., propyl + H would be primary).
So secondary amines: only 1 (N‑methylethylamine).
Tertiary: trimethylamine (3 methyls) → 1.
Primary: 1‑aminopropane and 2‑aminopropane → 2.
Total = 2 + 1 + 1 = 4.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
-
- KCET 2026Set D31 markMCQQ.The number of chain isomers possible for the hydrocarbon with molecular formula C5H12 is (A) 4 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Enumerate the distinct carbon-skeleton (chain) arrangements possible for the saturated hydrocarbon C5H12 (pentane).
Step 1 — List possible skeletons
For C5H12, the carbon skeleton can be arranged as:
- A straight, unbranched chain of 5 carbons: n-pentane (CH3CH2CH2CH2CH3)
- A 4-carbon main chain with one methyl branch: 2-methylbutane / isopentane
- A 3-carbon main chain with two methyl branches on the central carbon: 2,2-dimethylpropane / neopentane
Step 2 — Confirm no further distinct skeletons exist
Any other arrangement of 5 carbons with 4 bonds per carbon either duplicates one of these three structures (by renumbering/reflecting the chain) or is not a valid saturated skeleton. So exactly three genuinely distinct carbon skeletons — chain isomers — are possible.
Step 3 — Conclusion
There are 3 chain isomers of C5H12, matching option (B).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 3.
- KCET 2024Set B-21 markMCQQ.When a tertiary alcohol ‘A’ (C4H10O) reacts with 20% H3PO4 at 358 K, it gives a compound ‘B’ (C4H8) as a major product. The IUPAC name of the compound ‘B’ is : (A) But-1-ene (B) But-2-ene (C) Cyclobutane (D) 2-Methylpropene
›Reveal solutionSolution
Only one C4H10O isomer is tertiary — tert-butanol — and its acid-catalysed dehydration can give only one alkene, 2-methylpropene.
1. Identify alcohol A from the formula + the word "tertiary"
C4H10O has four alcohol isomers:
Isomer Structure Class Butan-1-ol CH3CH2CH2CH2OH primary Butan-2-ol CH3CH2CH(OH)CH3 secondary 2-Methylpropan-1-ol (CH3)2CHCH2OH primary 2-Methylpropan-2-ol (CH3)3C−OH tertiary A tertiary alcohol is one whose carbinol carbon (the C bearing the −OH) is attached to three other carbons. Only (CH3)3C−OH qualifies.
A=(CH3)3C−OH(tert-butyl alcohol)
2. Recognise the reaction
20% H3PO4 at 358 K is the standard acid-catalysed dehydration condition, and the product C4H8 has one degree of unsaturation more than C4H10O minus water — exactly C4H10O−H2O=C4H8. So B is an alkene.
Note how mild the conditions are: tertiary alcohols dehydrate most easily (3∘>2∘>1∘) because the E1 mechanism goes through a stable tertiary carbocation. That is why only 20% acid and a modest 358 K are needed — a primary alcohol would need ~95% H2SO4 at 440 K.
3. Mechanism (E1)
- Protonation of the −OH to make a good leaving group:
(CH3)3C−OH+H+⟶(CH3)3C−O+H2
- Loss of water ⇒ the stable tertiary carbocation:
(CH3)3C−O+H2⟶(CH3)3C++H2O
- Loss of a β-hydrogen from one of the three (equivalent) methyl groups:
(CH3)3C+⟶(CH3)2C=CH2+H+
4. The product is unique
All three methyl groups on the cation are identical, so there is no choice of β-hydrogen and no Saytzeff/Hofmann competition — only one alkene can form:
B=(CH3)2C=CH2=2-methylpropene(C4H8 ✓)
5. Rejecting the others
- (A) But-1-ene and (B) But-2-ene — both require a straight-chain C4 skeleton, which would come from butan-1-ol or butan-2-ol (primary/secondary). Our alcohol has a branched skeleton, and dehydration never rearranges a tert-butyl cation into a straight chain (that would go from a 3∘ to a less stable cation). ✗
- (C) Cyclobutane — has the formula C4H8 too, but dehydration of an open-chain alcohol cannot form a ring; there is no C–C bond-forming step. ✗
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 2-Methylpropene.
ANSWER: D
- KCET 2022Set B-31 markMCQQ.An organic compound with molecular formula C7H8O dissolves in NaOH and gives a characteristic colour with FeCl3. On treatment with bromine, it gives a tribromo derivative C7H5OBr3. The compound is (A) m-Cresol (B) p-Cresol (C) Benzyl alcohol (D) o-Cresol
›Reveal solutionSolution
The NaOH/FeCl3 tests identify a phenol; the fact that three bromines go in cleanly pins it as the meta isomer, whose 2-, 4- and 6-positions are activated by both substituents.
Step 1 — The molecular formula.
C7H8O, degree of unsaturation =22(7)+2−8=4 — a benzene ring plus no other unsaturation. The candidates are the three cresols (CH3−C6H4−OH), benzyl alcohol (C6H5CH2OH) and anisole.
Step 2 — Test 1: dissolves in NaOH ⇒ it is acidic ⇒ phenolic −OH.
Phenols (pKa≈10) are acidic enough to react with NaOH, because the phenoxide ion is resonance-stabilised over the ring:
ArOH+NaOH⟶ArO−Na++H2O
Alcohols are not: benzyl alcohol (pKa≈16, no resonance stabilisation of its alkoxide) is insoluble in NaOH. ⇒ (C) benzyl alcohol is eliminated.
Step 3 — Test 2: violet colour with FeCl3 ⇒ phenol confirmed.
Phenols form coloured iron(III)–phenoxide complexes of the type [Fe(OAr)6]3−. This is the classic confirmatory test for a phenolic −OH, and it again rules out benzyl alcohol and anisole. So the compound is one of the cresols.
Step 4 — Test 3: bromination gives a TRIbromo derivative — this is what selects the isomer.
Both −OH (strongly) and −CH3 (weakly) are activating, o/p-directing groups. Ask, for each isomer, how many ring positions are activated by both groups.
- m-Cresol (−OH at C-1, −CH3 at C-3):
- ortho/para to −OH (C-1) ⇒ C-2, C-4, C-6.
- ortho/para to −CH3 (C-3) ⇒ C-2, C-4, C-6. The two groups reinforce each other at exactly three free positions — 2, 4 and 6 — all of which are vacant. Bromination therefore substitutes cleanly at all three:
C7H8O+3Br2⟶2,4,6-tribromo-3-methylphenolC7H5OBr3+3HBr
This matches the stated product C7H5OBr3 exactly (three ring H's replaced: H8→H5).
- o-Cresol (−OH at C-1, −CH3 at C-2): the strongly activated set for −OH is C-2 (blocked by −CH3), C-4, C-6 — only two positions are strongly activated by the −OH, so the third bromine would have to enter a meta-to-OH position (C-3 or C-5), which is strongly disfavoured. ⇒ eliminated.
- p-Cresol (−OH at C-1, −CH3 at C-4): the para position is blocked; only the two ortho positions (C-2, C-6) are strongly activated. Again a clean tribromide is not obtained. ⇒ eliminated.
Only the meta isomer offers three mutually reinforcing, unblocked o/p sites.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) m-Cresol — the phenol whose 2-, 4- and 6-positions are activated by both −OH and −CH3, giving 2,4,6-tribromo-3-methylphenol, C7H5OBr3.
ANSWER: A
- m-Cresol (−OH at C-1, −CH3 at C-3):
- KCET 2021Set B-21 markMCQQ.C6H5CH2Clalc. NH3A2CH3ClB The product B is (A) N, N-Dimethyl phenyl methanamine (B) N, N-Dimethyl benzenamine (C) N-Benzyl-N-methyl methanamine (D) phenyl-N, N-dimethyl methanamine
›Reveal solutionSolution
The reaction sequence is a two-step nucleophilic substitution: benzyl chloride reacts with alcoholic ammonia to give benzylamine (A), which then undergoes exhaustive methylation with excess methyl chloride to yield the quaternary ammonium salt N-benzyl-N,N-dimethylmethanaminium chloride — but the question asks for the neutral tertiary amine formed before the final salt, which is N,N-dimethyl phenyl methanamine (option A).
The key here is to recognise that alcoholic ammonia (alc. NH3) acts as a nucleophile in an SN2 displacement. Benzyl chloride (C6H5CH2Cl) has a benzylic carbon that is highly reactive toward nucleophilic substitution because the developing positive charge in the transition state is stabilised by resonance with the benzene ring. Ammonia, being a good nucleophile, attacks this carbon, displacing chloride and forming a primary amine.
-
First step — formation of A:
C6H5CH2Cl+2NH3→C6H5CH2NH2+NH4Cl
The product A is benzylamine (phenylmethanamine). Two equivalents of ammonia are needed: one acts as the nucleophile, the other picks up the liberated HCl.
-
Second step — exhaustive methylation:
Benzylamine (A) is now treated with excess methyl chloride (2CH3Cl). This is a classic Hofmann alkylation: the amine nitrogen, being nucleophilic, attacks methyl chloride repeatedly.
- First methylation: C6H5CH2NH2+CH3Cl→C6H5CH2NH(CH3)+Cl− (a secondary ammonium salt).
- In the presence of excess methyl chloride and the basic conditions provided by the excess ammonia (or by the amine itself), the free base is regenerated and undergoes a second methylation: C6H5CH2NH(CH3)+CH3Cl→C6H5CH2N(CH3)2+Cl− The product after two methylations is the tertiary amine — N,N-dimethylbenzylamine — as its hydrochloride salt. The question likely intends the neutral amine, which is N,N-dimethyl phenyl methanamine (IUPAC: N-benzyl-N-methylmethanamine).
Watch outA common mistake is to think that the second step produces a quaternary ammonium salt. With only two equivalents of CH3Cl, the reaction stops at the tertiary amine stage. A third equivalent would give the quaternary salt. The problem specifies 2CH3Cl, so the product is the tertiary amine, not the quaternary.
-
Identifying the correct option:
- Option (A): N,N-Dimethyl phenyl methanamine — this is exactly C6H5CH2N(CH3)2, the tertiary amine we formed.
- Option (B): N,N-Dimethyl benzenamine — that would be C6H5N(CH3)2, which is N,N-dimethylaniline, not formed here.
- Option (C): N-Benzyl-N-methyl methanamine — this is the same compound as (A) but named differently (benzyl = phenylmethyl). It is also correct in structure, but the IUPAC name in (A) is more standard.
- Option (D): phenyl-N,N-dimethyl methanamine — this is a non-standard name for the same compound.
Both (A) and (C) describe the same molecule. However, in exam contexts, (A) is the preferred answer because it uses the systematic "N,N-dimethyl" prefix correctly.
TipWhen an amine is treated with excess alkyl halide, the reaction proceeds stepwise: primary → secondary → tertiary → quaternary salt. Counting the number of alkyl halide equivalents tells you exactly where the reaction stops. Here, two equivalents of CH3Cl give the tertiary amine.
✓Final answerThe product B is N,N-dimethyl phenyl methanamine, which corresponds to option (A).
-
- KCET 2020Set A-11 markMCQQ.The steps involved in the conversion of propan −2− ol to propan −1− ol are in the order (A) dehydration, addition of HBr in presence of peroxide, heating with alc. KOH (B) dehydration, addition of HBr, heating with aq. KOH (C) heating with PCl5, heating with alc. KOH, acid catalysed addition of water (D) heating with PCl5, heating with alc. KOH, hydroboration - oxidation
›Reveal solutionSolution
To convert propan-2-ol (a secondary alcohol) to propan-1-ol (a primary alcohol), we must rearrange the carbon skeleton so that the OH group moves from the middle carbon to an end carbon. This is achieved by: (1) dehydrating the alcohol to propene, (2) adding HBr in the presence of peroxide (anti-Markovnikov addition) to get 1-bromopropane, and (3) hydrolysing the alkyl halide with aqueous KOH to obtain propan-1-ol. The correct sequence is option (A).
The key insight here is that you cannot simply swap the OH group from one carbon to another in one step. You need to break and reform bonds in a controlled way. The strategy is to first create a double bond (alkene) from the starting alcohol, then add HBr across that double bond in the anti-Markovnikov fashion so that the bromine ends up on the terminal carbon, and finally replace the bromine with an OH group.
Let's walk through each step.
- Dehydration of propan-2-ol to propene Propan-2-ol is a secondary alcohol. When heated with a strong acid like concentrated H2SO4 (or passed over alumina at high temperature), it undergoes dehydration (elimination of water) to form propene.
CH3CH(OH)CH3conc. H2SO4heatCH3CH=CH2+H2O
This step creates the carbon-carbon double bond that we will later use to attach the bromine at the correct position.
- Addition of HBr in the presence of peroxide (anti-Markovnikov addition) Normally, HBr adds to an unsymmetrical alkene following Markovnikov's rule — the hydrogen attaches to the carbon with more hydrogens, and bromine goes to the more substituted carbon. For propene, that would give 2-bromopropane, which would take us back to a secondary alkyl halide. However, in the presence of organic peroxides (like benzoyl peroxide), the addition follows a free radical mechanism that reverses the regioselectivity. The bromine radical attacks the less substituted carbon (the terminal carbon), so the product is 1-bromopropane.
CH3CH=CH2+HBrperoxideCH3CH2CH2Br
This is the critical step that moves the halogen to the terminal position.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the peroxide and simply add HBr, which would give 2-bromopropane (Markovnikov product) and fail to produce the desired primary alcohol after hydrolysis. Always check the reaction conditions.
- Heating with aqueous KOH (hydrolysis) The final step is a nucleophilic substitution. 1-bromopropane is a primary alkyl halide, so it undergoes SN2 reaction with the hydroxide ion from aqueous KOH. The OH group replaces the bromine atom, giving propan-1-ol.
CH3CH2CH2Br+KOH(aq)heatCH3CH2CH2OH+KBr
Aqueous KOH is used here because it provides free hydroxide ions; alcoholic KOH would favour elimination (forming propene again), which is not what we want.
Now, let's check the options against this sequence:
-
(A) dehydration, addition of HBr in presence of peroxide, heating with alc. KOH — The first two steps match perfectly, but the third step says alc. KOH. Alcoholic KOH favours elimination, not substitution. This would give propene, not propan-1-ol. So this option is incorrect as written.
-
(B) dehydration, addition of HBr, heating with aq. KOH — The second step lacks peroxide, so HBr adds via Markovnikov rule, giving 2-bromopropane. Hydrolysis of that gives propan-2-ol, not propan-1-ol. Incorrect.
-
(C) heating with PCl5, heating with alc. KOH, acid catalysed addition of water — PCl5 converts the alcohol to 2-chloropropane. Alcoholic KOH eliminates HCl to give propene. Acid-catalysed addition of water to propene follows Markovnikov rule, giving back propan-2-ol. This is a cycle that returns to the starting compound. Incorrect.
-
(D) heating with PCl5, heating with alc. KOH, hydroboration-oxidation — The first two steps are the same as in (C), giving propene. Hydroboration-oxidation of propene adds water in an anti-Markovnikov fashion, giving propan-1-ol. This sequence is chemically correct.
TipHydroboration-oxidation is a two-step process that adds water across a double bond with anti-Markovnikov regiochemistry, without rearrangement. It is a reliable way to convert an alkene to a primary alcohol when the alkene is terminal.
So both (A) and (D) have the right idea in different ways, but (A) fails at the last step because it uses alcoholic KOH instead of aqueous KOH. The question asks for the correct order of steps, and (D) gives a valid sequence that works.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
- KCET 2019Set A-11 markMCQQ.The reaction scheme below shows a starting material converted to three different products via reactions A, B and C:
Reaction A converts the starting material to:
Reaction B converts the starting material to:
Reaction C converts the starting material to:
The reagents A, B and C respectively are (A) H2/Pd, PCC, NaBH4 (B) NaBH4, PCC, H2/Pd (C) NaBH4, alk. KMnO4, H2/Pd (D) H2/Pd, alk. KMnO4, NaBH4
›Reveal solutionSolution
Match each product to the selectivity of the reagent: NaBH4 reduces C=O but not C=C; PCC oxidises 1° alcohol only as far as the aldehyde; H2/Pd hydrogenates everything (C=C and C=O).
The starting material is HOH2C−CH=CH−CH2−CHO — it carries three reducible/oxidisable handles: a primary alcohol (left end), a C=C double bond (middle) and an aldehyde (right end). Each arrow attacks a different one, so this is a pure chemoselectivity question.
Step 1 — Reaction A: HOH2C−CH=CH−CH2−CHO→HOH2C−CH=CH−CH2−CH2OH
What changed: the aldehyde has become a primary alcohol. What did NOT change: the C=C is still drawn — it survives.
So A must be a reducing agent that attacks C=O but leaves C=C alone. That is exactly sodium borohydride, NaBH4: the hydride H− adds to the electron-poor (electrophilic) carbonyl carbon, but an isolated alkene is electron-rich and is not attacked by a nucleophilic hydride.
Could A be H2/Pd? No — Pd would hydrogenate the C=C as well, and the product still shows the double bond. ⇒ A = NaBH4.
That single observation already eliminates options (A) and (D), both of which begin with H2/Pd.
Step 2 — Reaction B: HOH2C−CH=CH−CH2−CHO→OHC−CH=CH−CH2−CHO
What changed: the primary alcohol has been oxidised to an aldehyde (giving the dialdehyde). What did NOT change: the C=C survives, and the new –CHO has not been over-oxidised to –COOH.
This demands a mild, selective oxidant that stops at the aldehyde: PCC (pyridinium chlorochromate). Being anhydrous (in CH2Cl2), it gives no gem-diol intermediate, so the reaction cannot proceed to the carboxylic acid.
Could B be alkaline KMnO4? No, on two counts: (i) it is a strong oxidant and would take the 1° alcohol all the way to the carboxylate/carboxylic acid, not the aldehyde; and (ii) alkaline KMnO4 would attack the C=C (giving a diol or cleaving it), yet the double bond is clearly retained in the product. ⇒ B = PCC.
This eliminates option (C) (which lists alk. KMnO4 for B).
Step 3 — Reaction C: HOH2C−CH=CH−CH2−CHO→HOH2C−CH2−CH2−CH2−CH2OH
What changed: both the C=C has been saturated and the –CHO reduced to –CH2OH, giving the fully saturated diol (pentane-1,5-diol).
Only a non-selective, powerful reduction does both jobs at once — catalytic hydrogenation, H2/Pd, which readily adds H2 across the alkene and (under the conditions implied) reduces the carbonyl to the alcohol.
NaBH4 could not have done this: it would leave the C=C untouched, but the product's chain is drawn straight, with no double bond. ⇒ C = H2/Pd.
Step 4 — Assemble
A=NaBH4,B=PCC,C=H2/Pd
which is exactly the ordering in option (B).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — NaBH4, PCC, H2/Pd.
ANSWER: B
- KCET 2019Set A-11 markMCQQ.The alkyl halides required to prepare 2-methylpentane, CH3−CH(CH3)−CH2−CH2−CH3, shown below, by Wurtz reaction are
(A) CH3CH2CH2CH2−Cl (n-butyl chloride) and CH3CH2−Cl (ethyl chloride) (B) (CH3)2CH−Cl (isopropyl chloride) and CH3CH2CH2−Cl (n-propyl chloride) (C) (CH3)2CH−Cl (isopropyl chloride) and CH3−Cl (methyl chloride) (D) (CH3)3C−Cl (tert-butyl chloride) and CH3CH2−Cl (ethyl chloride)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Split the target 2-methylpentane at the bond joining its two halves — isopropyl + n-propyl — and take the corresponding chlorides; that is the Wurtz pair.
Step 1 — The Wurtz reaction.
2R−X+2Nadry etherR−R+2NaX
With two different halides R−X and R′−X you get the cross-coupled alkane R−R′ (along with R−R and R′−R′ as by-products). To design the synthesis, you disconnect the target alkane at one C–C bond and put a halogen on each fragment.
Step 2 — Write and number the target.
2-Methylpentane:
C1H3−C2H(CH3)−C3H2−C4H2−C5H3(C6H14)
It has 6 carbons in total (5 in the main chain + 1 methyl branch).
Step 3 — Disconnect at C2–C3.
Breaking the bond between C-2 and C-3 gives two 3-carbon fragments:
- Left fragment: CH3−CH(CH3)− = isopropyl group, (CH3)2CH− (C-1, C-2 and the branch methyl).
- Right fragment: −CH2CH2CH3 = n-propyl group (C-3, C-4, C-5).
So the halides are (CH3)2CHCl and CH3CH2CH2Cl, and
(CH3)2CHCl+CH3CH2CH2Cl2Nadry ether(CH3)2CH−CH2CH2CH3=2-methylpentane.✓
Step 4 — Rule out the other pairs (check the product each would give).
- (A) n-butyl chloride + ethyl chloride →CH3CH2CH2CH2−CH2CH3= n-hexane (straight chain, no branch). ✗
- (C) isopropyl chloride + methyl chloride →(CH3)2CH−CH3= 2-methylpropane (isobutane, only C4). ✗
- (D) tert-butyl chloride + ethyl chloride →(CH3)3C−CH2CH3= 2,2-dimethylbutane (a quaternary carbon — wrong skeleton, and tertiary halides give elimination anyway). ✗
Only (B) reassembles the C6 skeleton with a methyl branch on C-2.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — (CH3)2CH−Cl (isopropyl chloride) and CH3CH2CH2−Cl (n-propyl chloride).
ANSWER: B
- KCET 2018Set A-11 markMCQQ.Identify the following compound which exhibits geometrical isomerism : (A) But-2-ene (B) But-1-ene (C) Butane (D) Isobutane
›Reveal solutionSolution
Apply the two-part test for cis–trans isomerism: (i) restricted rotation about a C=C, and (ii) two different substituents on each of the doubly-bonded carbons. Only but-2-ene passes both.
Step 1 — Why a double bond is essential.
A C=C consists of a σ bond plus a π bond formed by sideways overlap of p-orbitals. Rotating about the axis would break that π overlap, which costs far too much energy at ordinary temperature. This restricted rotation locks the substituents in place, so two spatially distinct arrangements can exist and be isolated. In a single-bonded (saturated) compound, free rotation instantly interconverts such arrangements — they are mere conformers, not isomers.
Step 2 — The second condition.
Writing the alkene as
bCa=dCc,
geometrical isomerism requires a=b and c=d. If either carbon carries two identical groups, flipping them gives the same molecule.
Step 3 — Test each option.
- (A) But-2-ene, CH3−CH=CH−CH3: each doubly-bonded carbon bears −H and −CH3, which are different. Both conditions satisfied ⇒ cis-but-2-ene (the two CH3 on the same side) and trans-but-2-ene (opposite sides) exist. ✓
- (B) But-1-ene, CH2=CH−CH2CH3: the terminal carbon carries two hydrogens (a=b=H). Swapping them gives back the same molecule ⇒ no geometrical isomers.
- (C) Butane, CH3CH2CH2CH3: saturated — free rotation about every C–C single bond ⇒ no geometrical isomerism.
- (D) Isobutane, (CH3)3CH: also saturated, and branched ⇒ no C=C at all ⇒ none.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — But-2-ene.
ANSWER: A
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