Question

The total number of ethers possible with the molecular formula $C_5{H}_{12}O$ (stereoisomers)
(a) 4
(b) 5
(c) 6
(d) 7

Answer 1

Hint:Stereoisomers are those which has the same molecular formula but different structural formula and by changing the position of the functional group i.e. -O- , you can write many isomers of the given molecular formula. Now write them and then answer the statement accordingly.

Complete step-by-step answer:First of all, let’s discuss what is isomerism. By isomerism , we mean the existence of the different compounds which have the same molecular formula but different properties.
And the Stereoisomerism is that isomerism in which the compounds differ from each other only in the relative arrangement of atoms in space but resemble one another with respect to which atoms are linked to which other atoms.
Now considering the statement as;
Ethers are the compounds which consist of the -C-O-C as the functional group. The number of ethers possible with the molecular formula $C_5{H}_{12}O$ is as;
1. $C{H}_3-C{H}_2-C{H}_2-C{H}_2-O-C{H}_3$
The name of the compound is 1-methoxybutane.
2. $C{H}_3-C{H}_2-C{H}_2-O-C{H}_2-C{H}_3$
The name of the compound is Ethoxy butane.
3.

The name of the compound is 2-methoxybutane.
4.

The name of the compound is 3-methoxybutane.
5.

The name of the compound is 4-methoxybutane.
6.

The name of the compound is tert-butyl methyl ether.
So, the total number of ethers possible with the molecular formula $C_5{H}_{12}O$ is 6.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Note:Don’t get confused in the structural and stereoisomerism. Structural isomerism is that type of r isomerism which arises due to the difference in the arrangement of the atoms within the compounds having the same molecular formula . On the other hand, stereoisomerism is that type of isomerism which arises due to the difference in the arrangement of atoms in space.