Possible isomers for an organic compound (C8H10O2)

Introduction:
Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas. In other words, they have the same number and types of atoms, but arranged differently. The total number of possible isomers for a given molecular formula can be determined by analyzing the different possible arrangements of atoms.

Given:
Molecular formula: C8H10O2
Properties: Rotates plane-polarized light, Produces pink color with neutral FeCl3 solution.

Solution:
To determine the possible isomers for this compound, we need to consider the different possible arrangements of atoms. There are several ways to do this, but one common method is to use the concept of functional groups.

Functional groups are specific arrangements of atoms that give a molecule its characteristic chemical properties. For example, the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) in a molecule can make it more reactive towards nucleophiles, while the presence of a hydroxyl group (OH) can make it more acidic.

Based on the given properties of the compound, we can infer that it contains a carbonyl group and/or a hydroxyl group. We can also assume that it is a chiral molecule, since it rotates plane-polarized light.

Using this information, we can generate the following possible isomers:

1. Two enantiomers with a carbonyl group:
- 3-phenylpropanal (also known as benzylacetaldehyde)
- 2-phenylpropanal (also known as phenylacetaldehyde)

These two compounds have the same molecular formula (C8H10O2) and contain a carbonyl group. They are also chiral molecules that rotate plane-polarized light in opposite directions. Therefore, they are enantiomers of each other.

2. Two enantiomers with a hydroxyl group:
- 1-phenylethanol
- 2-phenylethanol

These two compounds have the same molecular formula (C8H10O2) and contain a hydroxyl group. They are also chiral molecules that rotate plane-polarized light in opposite directions. Therefore, they are enantiomers of each other.

3. Two diastereomers with both carbonyl and hydroxyl groups:
- 3-phenylpropan-1,2-diol
- 2-phenylpropan-1,3-diol

These two compounds have the same molecular formula (C8H10O2) and contain both a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group. They are also diastereomers of each other, meaning they are not mirror images and have different physical properties.

Therefore, the total number of possible isomers for this compound is 6, consisting of 2 enantiomers and 2 diastereomers.