There are three carboxylic acid isomers for C4H8O2: butanoic acid, 2-methylpropanoic acid, and 3-methylpropanoic acid.
There are six ester isomers for C4H8O2: butyl formate, butyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, isopropyl formate, and isopropyl acetate.
The number of isomers for a given chemical formula can be determined by applying the mathematical formula 2^n, where n represents the number of different atoms in the formula.
Carboxylic acids are organic compounds containing a carboxyl functional group (-COOH), while esters are organic compounds containing an ester functional group (-COO-).
Carboxylic acids and esters are commonly used in the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and food additives. They also have industrial applications as solvents and plasticizers.