How many isomers can a formula of \(C_{3} H_{5} C l_{3}\) generate?
Answer 1:
Explanation:
these are the possible structures
Answer 2:
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?