Question

Alkanols and alkoxyalkanes are _____________.
A. functional isomers
B. keto-enol tautomers
C. geometrical isomers
D. position isomers

Answer 1

Hint: Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structures. While tautomers have the same structures, but the position of protons and electrons are different.

Complete step-by-step answer: We are given alkyl and alkoxy alkane, and we have to tell which is correct form them, among isomers, and tautomer given in the option.
Functional isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different functional groups attached. While keto-enol tautomers are an intermediate form that contains the equilibrium between ketone and alcohol (keto-enol) forms of the compound. Geometrical isomers are the same compounds which differ only in their spatial arrangement. Position isomers have the same number of carbons, functional groups, hydrogen, but only their locations or positions are different.
Given is alkanol, which is an alcohol with general formula, ${{C}_{n}}{{H}_{2n+1}}OH$. On the other hand, alkoxy alkane is the name given to ethers which have a general formula, ${{C}_{n}}{{H}_{2n+2}}O$
Examples of them with structures are:
Ethanol -$C{{H}_{3}}-C{{H}_{2}}-OH$,
Methoxymethane - $C{{H}_{3}}-O-C{{H}_{3}}$
Clearly, these two compounds have the same molecular formula with the same carbons and hydrogen, but they only differ in the functional groups. One has alcohol, while the other has ether. So, they are functional isomers.

Hence, alkanols and alkoxyalkanes are functional isomers. So, option A is correct.

Note: The name alkoxy alkane is the IUPAC name given for the nomenclature for ethers, while alkanols for the nomenclature of alcohols. Stereoisomerism is the property that enables the compound to exist in space. This isomerism is a type of geometrical isomerism, and can be seen in various compounds.