See image — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Structural Isomers of $C_6H_{14}$ **Step 1: Identify the compound type** $C_6H_{14}$ fits the alkane formula $C_nH_{2n+2}$ with no rings or double bonds. We need to find all possible branching arrangements of a 6-carbon chain. **Step 2: List all possible carbon skeletons** 1. **n-Hexane (straight chain):** $CH_3-CH_2-CH_2-CH_2-CH_2-CH_3$ 2. **2-Methylpentane:** Methyl branch at position 2 of a 5-carbon chain 3. **3-Methylpentane:** Methyl branch at position 3 of a 5-carbon chain 4. **2,2-Dimethylbutane:** Two methyl branches both at position 2 of a 4-carbon chain 5. **2,3-Dimethylbutane:** One methyl at position 2 and one at position 3 of a 4-carbon chain **Step 3: Verify no duplicates** - Branching positions are numbered from the end that gives the lowest numbers - Different positions or branch arrangements create distinct isomers - All five structures above are non-superimposable and non-identical **Answer: (C) 5** The five structural isomers of $C_6H_{14}$ correspond to all possible ways of arranging 6 carbon atoms with different connectivity patterns.