There are actually three constitutional isomers with the molecular formula  We have seen two of them in propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol.

There are actually three constitutional isomers with the molecular formula  We have seen two of them in propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. Write a dash formula for the third isomer.

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

The molecular formula for three constitutional isomers of C₃H₈O is C₃H₈O. The two isomers you’ve mentioned, propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, are part of this family. The third isomer can be a compound with a different functional group or connectivity but still maintains the formula C₃H₈O.

The third constitutional isomer of C₃H₈O is cyclopropanol. It contains a three-membered ring with an -OH group attached to one of the carbon atoms in the ring.

Dash Formula for Cyclopropanol:

Here’s how the dash formula would look for cyclopropanol:

mathematicaCopyEdit      H
      |
H - C - C - C - OH
      |
      H

Explanation:

  • Cyclopropanol consists of a three-membered cyclopropane ring with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to one of the carbon atoms.
  • The three carbon atoms form a triangle (cyclopropane), and one of them is bonded to the hydroxyl group.
  • Each of the remaining two carbon atoms is bonded to two hydrogens, and the hydroxyl group is placed on one of the carbons, making it an alcohol.

This is different from propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, where the alcohol group (-OH) is attached to a primary or secondary carbon chain.

The other two isomers, propyl alcohol (CH₃CH₂CH₂OH) and isopropyl alcohol (CH₃CHOHCH₃), differ in the position of the -OH group along the carbon chain.

Thus, cyclopropanol represents the third constitutional isomer with the formula C₃H₈O, with a unique structure compared to the alcohols.

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