Question

How many isomers can a formula of `C_3H_5Cl_3` generate?

Answer 1

Explanation:

these are the possible structures

Answer 2

I think I can count 5 structural isomers.

Explanation:

`"1,1,1-trichloropropane"`;

`"1,2,3-trichloropropane"`;

`"1,2,2-trichloropropane"`;

`"1,1,2-trichloropropane"`; this has 2 stereoisomers, with the chiral centre at `C_2`;

`"1,1,3-trichloropropane"`;

All these names (I think) are unique, which is a good indication that they are distinct compounds. Again, this is a good demonstration of the richness of carbon chemistry: a saturated carbon chain with 3 carbon atoms, with only 3 of the same heteroatoms, and yet (at least!) 5 structural isomers. How can organic chemists make anything unique?