Equation for # of consititutional isomers

[Paperclipz]

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Hey guys,

I'm doing question # 251 in Destroyer (G-Chem) and it asks:

How many isomers (consitutional) can be drawn for C4H10O?

The answer is 7.

Is there a formula or a shortcut that can be used to find this out ? Thanks

 

[KyoPhan]

It's pretty much asking how many different attachments can be made from that formula. I don't think there's a formula. You just have to try and draw them all out and be cautious not the repeat the same structure.

I would start by drawing all the straight chain, and then work on the branchings.

 

[Paperclipz]

Thank you KyoPhan! When you're timing yourself it feels like forever trying to draw out each structure but I guess that's the only way.