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Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Section

Structural isomerism in the alkanes

19 practice questions

Start practising (19 questions)

Practice questions

1–10 of 19

  1. Question 1

    1 mark · Easy

    State what structural isomers have in common.

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  2. Question 2

    3 marks · Easy

    (a)

    State the difference between a straight-chain alkane and a branched-chain alkane.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Draw the displayed formula for a branched structural isomer of C5H12.

    [2 marks]
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  3. Question 3

    2 marks · Easy

    Propane (C3H8) has no structural isomers. Predict and state the number of structural isomers for butane (C4H10).

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  4. Question 4

    2 marks · Easy

    Explain why it is not possible to convert one structural isomer of pentane directly into another simply by rotating bonds.

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  5. Question 5

    3 marks · Easy

    The table shows the number of isomers for selected alkanes.

    AlkaneMolecular formulaNumber of isomers
    MethaneCH41
    EthaneC2H61
    PropaneC3H81
    PentaneC5H123
    (a)

    Describe the trend in the number of isomers as the number of carbon atoms increases.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Suggest why methane, ethane, and propane each have only one isomer.

    [2 marks]
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  6. Question 6

    1 mark · Easy

    Give the molecular formula for the straight-chain alkane with five carbon atoms.

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  7. Question 7

    3 marks · Easy

    (a)

    State the molecular formula for hexane.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Explain what makes two different hexane molecules structural isomers.

    [2 marks]
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  8. Question 8

    2 marks · Easy

    How many carbon atoms are present in the alkane with the molecular formula C8H18?

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  9. Question 9

    2 marks · Normal

    Explain what is meant by the term 'structural isomers' with reference to alkanes.

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  10. Question 10

    4 marks · Normal

    Butane (C4H10) has two structural isomers.

    (a)

    State the names of the two isomers of C4H10.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Draw the displayed (full structural) formula for each isomer. Show all atoms and bonds.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →