Possible Structural Isomers of C4H10O

There are several ways to approach the problem of determining the number of structural isomers possible for a given molecular formula. One way is to use systematic naming and counting of different chains, branches, and functional groups. Here are the possible structural isomers of C4H10O:

1. Butan-1-ol (primary alcohol): CH3CH2CH2CH2OH
2. Butan-2-ol (primary alcohol): CH3CH2CH(OH)CH3
3. 2-Methylpropan-1-ol (primary alcohol): CH3CH(CH3)CH2OH
4. 2-Methylpropan-2-ol (secondary alcohol): CH3C(CH3)(OH)CH3
5. Ethoxyethane (ether): CH3CH2OCH2CH3
6. Propanal (aldehyde): CH3CH2CH2CHO
7. Methoxypropane (ether): CH3OCH2CH2CH3

Explanation:

The molecular formula C4H10O indicates that there are four carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom in the molecule. To generate all possible structural isomers, we need to consider different arrangements of these atoms and functional groups.

One approach is to start with the longest carbon chain and then add branches or functional groups. For example, butan-1-ol has a straight chain of four carbon atoms with an -OH group at the end. Butan-2-ol is also a primary alcohol but has a branch on the second carbon atom. 2-Methylpropan-1-ol has a three-carbon chain with a methyl group on the second carbon and an -OH group on the third carbon. 2-Methylpropan-2-ol is a secondary alcohol with a methyl group on both the second and third carbon atoms.

Other isomers can be generated by using functional groups such as ether (-O-) or aldehyde (-CHO). Ethoxyethane has an oxygen atom linking two ethyl groups. Propanal has an aldehyde group attached to a three-carbon chain. Methoxypropane has an oxygen atom linking a methyl group and a propyl group.

In total, there are seven possible structural isomers of C4H10O, as indicated in option C. Therefore, the correct answer is option C.