Constitutional Isomers: Understanding the Basics

What are constitutional isomers?

Are constitutional isomers the same molecules or different molecules?

Answer:

Constitutional isomers are different molecules that share the same molecular formula but have different structures. An example of this would be butane and isobutane (C4H10).

Constitutional isomers, also known as structural isomers, are a type of isomer where the molecules have the same molecular formula, but the atoms are arranged in different orders. This results in different structural formulas and different physical and chemical properties.

For example, butane (C4H10) and isobutane (also C4H10) are constitutional isomers. Despite having the same number of carbon and hydrogen atoms, they have different structures due to the branching of the carbon chain in isobutane.

It's important to note that constitutional isomers are distinct molecules with unique properties, even though they have the same molecular formula. The arrangement of atoms in a molecule plays a crucial role in determining its characteristics and behavior.