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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: agarwal on July 18, 2013, 03:40:51 PM

Title: Is it possible to have Isomer of propane?
Post by: agarwal on July 18, 2013, 03:40:51 PM

Hi,
I wanted to know is it possible to have ispomers of propane?

Title: Re: Is it possible to have Isomer of propane?
Post by: Illuminatus on July 18, 2013, 04:01:36 PM

Hi agarwal,

Propane has only one type of atom in the backbone of the molecule (carbon), only single-atom branches (also all of one identity, hydrogen), and is made up of three units (carbons with corresponding hydrogens). Hydrogens can not act as intermediate backbone atoms in a molecule.

Based on this information, is there any way you can rearrange the carbons to create a structurally/conformationally different molecule?

Enjoy

Title: Re: Is it possible to have Isomer of propane?
Post by: PhDoc on July 23, 2013, 08:59:32 PM

Know the definitions of the following types of isomers:

1. conformational
2. constitutional/structural (includes functional group isomers)
3. stereoisomers
          a. geometric
          b. configurational

In thought experiments, an infinite number of conformational isomers of propane exist (i.e. there are an infinite number of subdivisions of 60 degrees). In practicality, only two are important. One would predominate if you were to lower the temperature to approximately 4 K. Which one would that be? Why?