Before considering the basic formulas of pentane isomers, we find out to which class of organic substances this compound belongs. In addition, we determine what structural features this substance has, what are the main areas of its application.
general characteristics
Pentane, the isomers of which we will consider, belongs to the class of saturated (saturated) hydrocarbons. They have the formula CnH2n + 2, sp3 hybridization of carbon atoms, single bonds. Among the properties characteristic of representatives of this class, including pentane, the isomers of which also belong to the class of alkanes, let us single out radical substitution (halogenation) reactions.
Nomenclature of connections
A specific procedure has been developed, according to which you can give a name to any saturated hydrocarbon. Pentane itself has a direct carbon skeleton; its isomers differ in the presence of radicals (branches) from the main chain.
First you need to choose the longest carbon chain. For the numbering of carbon atoms, choose the part in which the radicals are located closer to the beginning. If there are branches on both sides of the main chain, the number of radicals and their structure are taken into account (they use the Russian alphabet).
In the presence of several identical hydrocarbon radicals, after indicating the numbers of their location, clarifying prefixes are used: di-, tri-, tetra.
Only after all active particles are indicated do they give the name of the main carbon chain.
Pentane Structures
We compose the basic structural formulas of pentane isomers using a generally accepted algorithm. To begin with, we will place the carbon atoms in one chain and obtain the structural formula of normal pentane: CH3- (CH2) 3-CH3.
If you leave four carbon atoms in the main chain, the remaining one will be represented as the radical CH3. In this case, it is possible to draw up two structural formulas of substances that differ from each other by the location of methyl groups: 2-methylbutane, 3-methylbutane.
What else can pentane look like? Isomers corresponding to the formula C5H12 can also be represented by 2,2-dimethylpropane.
All these substances correspond to the same general formula CnH2n + 2, therefore, belong to the class of saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes), are structural isomers.
The phenomenon of isomerism explains the existence of several substances that have one common formula, but differ from each other in the arrangement of atoms in the molecule. Structural isomers have some differences in reactivity, despite belonging to the same class of hydrocarbons.
Conclusion
Pentane, the isomers of which we examined, is a typical representative of paraffins. For this class of organic substances isomerism of multiple bonds is not characteristic. Saturated hydrocarbons do not have interclass isomers. Among the main industries in which pentane and its structural isomers are in demand, let us single out the chemical industry.
When pentane isomerized, 2-methylbutane is obtained, dehydrogenation of which leads to the production of unsaturated hydrocarbon, which belongs to the general formula CnH2n-2. The polymerization of this unsaturated CGNu is an industrial method for producing a synthetic polymer used in rubber production.
Among the many fields of using saturated alkanes, of which normal pentane is a typical representative, let us single out the use of this compound as a natural fuel. In conclusion, we note that for representatives of the limiting range of hydrocarbons, isomerism of the main chain is characteristic. Due to the fact that the molecule does not have double bonds, paraffins are not characterized by geometric isomerism, that is, there are no cis and trans isomers.