SubjectCover

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

Structural isomerism in the alkanes

19 practice questions

Start practising (8 questions)

Practice questions

1–8 of 8 · Normal

  1. Question 1

    2 marks · Normal

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

    Answer and see the solution →

  2. Question 2

    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 →

  3. Question 3

    3 marks · Normal

    A hydrocarbon has the molecular formula C6H14. How many structural isomers are possible for C6H14? Show your reasoning.

    Answer and see the solution →

  4. Question 4

    3 marks · Normal

    Explain how you would decide whether two structures for C5H12 drawn below are isomers or not.

    Structure 1: CH3–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH3 Structure 2: CH3–CH(CH3)–CH2–CH3

    Answer and see the solution →

  5. Question 5

    4 marks · Normal

    The following table gives the molecular formulae and numbers of structural isomers possible for members of the alkane series:

    AlkaneMolecular formulaNumber of isomers
    MethaneCH41
    EthaneC2H61
    PropaneC3H81
    ButaneC4H102
    PentaneC5H123
    HexaneC6H14?
    (a)

    Compare the number of isomers as the number of carbon atoms increases from C4H10 to C6H14.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Explain why the number of structural isomers increases as you go from C4H10 to C6H14.

    [2 marks]
    (c)

    Use the data to predict the number of isomers for C6H14.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  6. Question 6

    1 mark · Normal

    Which statement is true about structural isomers?

    1. A.They have the same molecular and structural formulae.
    2. B.They have the same atoms joined in a different order.
    3. C.They are different elements with the same mass number.
    4. D.They all have a straight chain structure.
    Answer and check →

  7. Question 7

    2 marks · Normal

    State one difference and one similarity between structural isomers.

    Answer and see the solution →

  8. Question 8

    4 marks · Normal

    Heptane (C7H16) is an alkane. Answer the following about its isomers.

    (a)

    Explain why heptane can form structural isomers.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Draw the skeletal formula of two different isomers of C7H16.

    [2 marks]
    (c)

    State one feature that all isomers of C7H16 share.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →