A structural isomer for the molecule NaOCH₂CH₃ would be expected to have how many carbon atoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given molecule has 9 sulfur atoms, which means it must have 18 hydrogen atoms to balance out the valence electrons. Additionally, it has 2 carbon atoms and 1 sodium atom.

A structural isomer is a molecule with the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms. In order to create a structural isomer, we must rearrange the atoms while still maintaining the same number and type of atoms.

One way to create a structural isomer is to rearrange the atoms in the chain of carbon atoms. The given molecule only has two carbon atoms, so in order to create a structural isomer, we must add more carbon atoms.

Option (B) "Two" is the best choice because a structural isomer with two carbon atoms can be created by adding a carbon atom to either end of the chain. For example, NaOCHS1U1B0CH2S1U1B12S1U1B0CHS1U1B13S1U1B0 would be a structural isomer with two carbon atoms.

A Structural Isomer for the Molecule NaOCH2CH3 Would Be Expected

A Structural Isomer for the Molecule NaOCH₂CH₃ Would Be Expected