Q.88) Total number of possible isomers (both structural as well as stereoisomers) of cyclic ethers of molecular formula $\mathrm{C}_4 \mathrm{H}_8 \mathrm{O}$ is : (1) 11 (2) 6 (3) 8 (4) 10
A) 11
B) 6
C) 8
D) 10
Q.88) To find the total number of isomers (both structural and stereoisomers) of cyclic ethers with the molecular formula $\mathrm{C}_4 \mathrm{H}_8 \mathrm{O}$, we can follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine the Degree of Unsaturation (DOU)
The formula for calculating the degree of unsaturation (DOU) is:
$$
\mathrm{DOU}=\frac{2 C+2+N-H-X}{2}
$$
Where:
- $\mathrm{C}=$ number of carbon atoms
- $\mathrm{H}=$ number of hydrogen atoms
- $\mathrm{N}=$ number of nitrogen atoms (not applicable here)
- X = number of halogens (not applicable here)
For $\mathrm{C}_4 \mathrm{H}_8 \mathrm{O}$ :
- $\mathrm{C}=4$
- H = 8
$-\mathrm{N}=\mathrm{O}$
$-X=0$
Substituting the values:
$$
\mathrm{DOU}=\frac{2(4)+2+0-8-0}{2}=\frac{8+2-8}{2}=\frac{2}{2}=1
$$
This indicates that there is one degree of unsaturation, which suggests the presence of one ring.
Step 2: Identify Possible Cyclic Structures
Given that we have one degree of unsaturation, we can form cyclic ethers. We will consider both 3-membered, 4-membered, and 5-membered rings.
3-Membered Ring (Epoxide)
- Structure 1: A 3-membered ring with one ethyl group (C?H?) and one oxygen atom.
- Chirality: This structure can have a chiral center, leading to one enantiomer.
4-Membered Ring (Butyrolactone)
- Structure 2: A 4-membered ring with one methyl group (CH?) and one oxygen atom.
- Chirality: This structure can also have a chiral center, leading to one enantiomer.
5-Membered Ring (Tetrahydrofuran)
- Structure 3: A 5-membered ring with two methyl groups and one oxygen atom.
- Chirality: This structure does not have any chiral centers.
Step 3: Count the Isomers
1. 3-Membered Ring:
- 1 structure (chiral) + 1 enantiomer = 2 isomers
2. 4-Membered Ring:
- 1 structure (chiral) + 1 enantiomer = 2 isomers
- 1 achiral structure = 1 isomer
- Total = 2 + 1 = 3 isomers
3. 5-Membered Ring:
- 1 structure (achiral) = 1 isomer
Step 4: Total Isomers
Now, we sum all the isomers:
- From the 3-membered ring: 2
- From the 4-membered ring: 3
- From the 5-membered ring: 1
Total = 2 + 3 + 1 = 6 isomers
Final Answer
The total number of isomers (considering both structural and stereoisomers) of cyclic ethers with the molecular formula C?H?O is 6.
Hence, the correct answer is option (2).