Possible answer:

Ether metamers of C4H10O

- Definition: Ether metamers are isomeric ethers that have different arrangements of their alkyl groups on each side of the oxygen atom. They have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas.
- Example: The molecular formula C4H10O can represent two ether metamers, depending on the location of the oxygen atom and the alkyl groups. They are commonly known as butyl methyl ether and methyl propyl ether, respectively.
- Structural formulas:

Butyl methyl ether: CH3CH2CH2OCH3
Methyl propyl ether: CH3OCH2CH2CH3

- Explanation: In butyl methyl ether, the longer alkyl group (butyl) is attached to the carbon atom that is closer to the oxygen atom, while the shorter alkyl group (methyl) is attached to the other carbon atom. In methyl propyl ether, the shorter alkyl group (methyl) is attached to the carbon atom that is closer to the oxygen atom, while the longer alkyl group (propyl) is attached to the other carbon atom.
- Naming: Ether metamers are named by using the prefixes that indicate the number and type of alkyl groups on each side of the oxygen atom, followed by the word "ether". For example, butyl methyl ether can also be named as ethoxybutane, since it has an ethyl group and an oxy group.
- Other examples: The molecular formula C5H12O can represent three ether metamers, while C6H14O can represent four ether metamers. The number of possible ether metamers increases with the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl groups and the complexity of the molecular formula.
- Importance: Ether metamers can have different physical and chemical properties, such as boiling point, solubility, reactivity, and toxicity. Therefore, they can have different applications and risks in various fields, such as fuel additives, solvents, anesthetics, and drugs. The ability to distinguish and analyze ether metamers is important for understanding their effects and avoiding unintended consequences.