See image — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

**Finding Structural Isomers of $C_6H_{14}$** **Step 1: Determine the structure type** $C_6H_{14}$ follows the formula $C_nH_{2n+2}$ (alkanes with no rings or double bonds). We need to find all possible arrangements of 6 carbon atoms. **Step 2: Identify possible carbon skeletons** For hexane ($C_6H_{14}$), the possible carbon chain arrangements are: 1. **n-hexane**: Linear chain $CH_3-CH_2-CH_2-CH_2-CH_2-CH_3$ 2. **2-methylpentane**: Methyl branch at position 2 on a 5-carbon main chain 3. **3-methylpentane**: Methyl branch at position 3 on a 5-carbon main chain 4. **2,2-dimethylbutane**: Two methyl branches at position 2 on a 4-carbon main chain 5. **2,3-dimethylbutane**: Methyl branches at positions 2 and 3 on a 4-carbon main chain **Step 3: Verify uniqueness** - Branching at different positions creates different compounds - Mirror images of asymmetric structures are counted as one isomer (we don't count stereoisomers) - All 5 structures have distinct molecular frameworks **Step 4: Conclusion** There are exactly **5 structural isomers** of $C_6H_{14}$. **The answer is (C) 5**