Constitutionally Isomeric Ethers of C₄H₁₀O

What are constitutionally isomeric ethers of C₄H₁₀O?

a) Diethyl ether, ethyl methyl ether
b) Dimethyl ether, diethyl ether
c) Butyl methyl ether, ethyl propyl ether
d) Methyl propyl ether, dimethyl ether
Final answer:

The constitutionally isomeric ethers of C₄H₁₀O are butyl methyl ether and ethyl propyl ether, represented by (c) in the choices.

They feature different arrangements of carbon chains on either side of the oxygen atom, constituting different constitutional isomers.

The question is asking about the constitutionally isomeric ethers of C₄H₁₀O. Constitutionally isomeric ethers are ethers that have the same molecular formula but different connectivity of atoms within the molecule. The correct answer is (c) Butyl methyl ether, ethyl propyl ether. These are two distinct constitutional isomers of C₄H₁₀O because they have different arrangements of their carbon chains.

In butyl methyl ether, the structure is CH₃-O-CH₂-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃. Here, we have a four-carbon group (butyl) and a one-carbon group (methyl) on either side of the oxygen atom. On the other hand, in ethyl propyl ether, the structure is CH₃-CH₂-O-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃. In this ether, there is a two-carbon group (ethyl) and a three-carbon group (propyl) on either side of the oxygen. These distinct structures with the different connectivity of carbon atoms make them constitutional isomers.

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