How many constitutional isomers are possible for the formula C4H9Cl?

1 Answer
Jan 1, 2016

There are four possible constitutional isomers of #"C"_4"H"_9"Cl"#.

Explanation:

First draw all the constitutional isomers of #"C"_4"H"_10#. You get

Butane
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and

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Then put a #"Cl"# atom in every possible location on each of the carbon skeletons.

From the straight-chain alkane, we get

1-Chlorobutane

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and

2-Chlorobutane

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From the branched-chain alkane, we get

1-Chloro-2-methylpropane

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and

2-Chloro-2-methylpropane

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And there are your four constitutional isomers of #"C"_4"H"_9"Cl"#.