different arrangement of carbon and hydrogen atoms
Animated Tutorial
Examples
Butane has the molecular formula C4H10.
All possible structural isomers of butane must also have the molecular formula C4H10.
name
structural formula
molecular formula
butane
 
H |
 
H |
 
H |
 
H |
 
H-
C
-
C
-
C
-
C
-H
 
| H
 
| H
 
| H
 
| H
 
C4H10
2-methylpropane
 
 
 
H |
 
 
 
 
H |
 
H-C-H |
 
H |
 
H-
C
-
C
-
C
-H
 
| H
 
| H
 
| H
 
C4H10
Butane and 2-methylpropane are structural isomers.
They have the same molecular formula, C4H10, but different structural formulae.
Pentane has the molecular formula C5H12.
All possible structural isomers of pentane must also have the molecular formula C5H12.
name
structural formula
molecular formula
pentane
 
H |
 
H |
 
H |
 
H |
 
H |
 
H-
C
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
C
-H
 
| H
 
| H
 
| H
 
| H
 
| H
 
C5H12
2-methylbutane
 
 
 
H |
 
 
 
 
 
H |
 
H-C-H |
 
H |
 
H |
 
H-
C
-
C
-
C
-
C
-H
 
| H
 
| H
 
| H
 
| H
 
C5H12
2,2-dimethylpropane
 
 
 
H |
 
 
 
 
H |
 
H-C-H |
 
H |
 
H-
C
-
C
-
C
-H
 
| H
 
| H-C-H
 
| H
 
 
 
 
| H
 
 
 
C5H12
Pentane, 2-methylbutane and 2,2-dimethylpropane are structural isomers.
They have the same molecular formula, C5H12, but different structural formulae.
 
Search this Site
You can search this site using a key term or a concept to find tutorials, tests, exams and learning activities (games).
 
Become an AUS-e-TUTE Member
 
Subscribe to our Free Newsletter
Email to
subscribe to AUS-e-TUTE's free quarterly newsletter, AUS-e-NEWS.
AUS-e-NEWS is emailed out in December, March, June, and September.