How would you find all the isomers of the formula C4H8O2 (ester)?

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Answer 1 · 2015-11-23T03:29:21

There are four isomeric esters with the formula #"C"_4"H"_8"O"_2#.

First, draw all the esters of a one-carbon acid. These are

Propyl formate

#"HCOOCH"_2"CH"_2"CH"_3#

and

Isopropyl formate

#"HCOOCH"("CH"_3)_2#

Then draw all the esters of a two-carbon acid:

Ethyl acetate

#"CH"_3"COOCH"_2"CH"_3#

Finally, draw all the esters of a three-carbon acid:

Methyl propionate

#"CH"_3"CH"_2"COOCH"_3#

And that's it!