Question

Name the five different structural isomers of hexane.

Answer 1

Hint: Isomerism is an important phenomenon for compounds. The phenomena in which different compounds having the same chemical formula but different structures are known as isomerism and the compounds exhibiting isomerism are known as isomers.

Complete answer:
Isomerism is of different types. Broadly they are divided into structural isomers and stereoisomers. Structural isomers are further divided into chain isomers, position isomers and functional isomers. Whereas stereoisomers are of two types namely geometric and optical isomers.
Structural isomers are also known as constitutional isomers. As the name suggests they have the same molecular formula but they differ in their structure.
\[Hexane\] is made up of two terms, \[Hex\] and \[ane\]. \[Hex\] represents that there are six numbers of carbons and \[ane\] stands for alkane group. So together they mean that \[Hexane\] is an alkane which consists of six carbon atoms with the chemical formula \[{C_6}{H_{14}}\].
\[Hexane\] is a nonpolar molecule as the carbon and hydrogen have an electronegativity difference which classifies the molecule as non-polar.
The isomers that are possible for \[Hexane\] are five. They are:
\[Hexane\] - It is a straight chain consisting of six carbon atoms. The chemical formula is \[C{H_3}C{H_2}C{H_2}C{H_2}C{H_2}C{H_3}\]
\[\;2 - Methylpentane{\text{ }}\left( {Isohexane} \right)\] - It is a five membered chain with one \[Methyl\]branch on second carbon \[C{H_3}CH{(CH)_3}C{H_2}C{H_2}C{H_3}\]
\[\;3 - Methylpentane\]- \[C{H_3}C{H_2}CH(C{H_3})C{H_2}C{H_3}\], is a five-carbon chain with one \[Methyl\] group on third carbon.
\[2,3 - Dimethylbutane\]- \[C{H_3}CH(C{H_3})CH(C{H_3})C{H_3}\], four carbon chain with one \[Methyl\] group on second and third carbon.
\[2,2 - Dimethylbutane(Neohexane)\]- \[C{H_3}C{(C{H_3})_2}C{H_2}C{H_3}\] It is a four carbon chain with two \[Methyl\] group attached on second carbon.

Note:
\[Hexane\] has many uses in our day to day life. Its is used as a solvents for varnishes, inks and adhesive. It is also used in food industries like for extracting edible oils from seeds and vegetables. The additive used in gasoline, glue are all form of \[Hexane\]