Identifying Compounds A and B with Molecular Formula C6H14
Compound A and B, with the molecular formula C6H14, undergo monochlorination to form constitutional isomers. In the case of compound A, which is likely n-butane, two constitutional isomers are produced. This means that upon introducing a chlorine atom to compound A, two different structural arrangements are possible, resulting in two unique isomers.
On the other hand, compound B, identified as 2-methylpropane, leads to the formation of four constitutional isomers upon monochlorination. With a branched chain structure that features a central carbon atom bonded to three other carbon atoms, 2-methylpropane provides the flexibility for four different isomers to be created through the attachment of a chlorine atom.
It is important to understand that constitutional isomers have the same molecular formula but differ in the spatial arrangements of atoms within the molecule. In this scenario, the differences in the structural configurations of n-butane and 2-methylpropane enable the formation of varying numbers of isomers upon the introduction of a chlorine group.
Further Explanation on Isomers:
Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in their structural arrangements. In the case of n-butane and 2-methylpropane, they serve as an illustration of structural isomerism, where the connectivity of atoms within the molecules varies, leading to distinct chemical properties.
N-butane exists as a straight-chain alkane with four carbon atoms linked in a continuous chain. On the other hand, 2-methylpropane features a branched structure with a methyl (CH3) group attached to the second carbon atom of a propane chain, resulting in different physical and chemical characteristics compared to n-butane.
By understanding the concept of isomerism and recognizing the structural differences between compounds A and B, we can appreciate how the spatial arrangement of atoms influences the formation of constitutional isomers upon chemical modifications such as monochlorination.