How many isomers can a formula of #C_3H_5Cl_3# generate?

2 Answers
shani
Nov 21, 2015

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Explanation:

these are the possible structures

anor277
Nov 21, 2015

I think I can count 5 structural isomers.

Explanation:

#"1,1,1-trichloropropane"#;

#"1,2,3-trichloropropane"#;

#"1,2,2-trichloropropane"#;

#"1,1,2-trichloropropane"#; this has 2 stereoisomers, with the chiral centre at #C_2#;

#"1,1,3-trichloropropane"#;

All these names (I think) are unique, which is a good indication that they are distinct compounds. Again, this is a good demonstration of the richness of carbon chemistry: a saturated carbon chain with 3 carbon atoms, with only 3 of the same heteroatoms, and yet (at least!) 5 structural isomers. How can organic chemists make anything unique?

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