Does 2-Methyl-2-Pentene Have Stereoisomers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether 2-methyl-2-pentene has stereoisomers, specifically focusing on its structural and geometric isomers. Participants explore the implications of the question in the context of isomer classification, including structural and geometric isomers related to alkenes.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the question implies there are no structural or geometric isomers, but they believe at least one structural isomer exists.
  • Another participant challenges the correctness of the answer choice E, questioning whether the molecule has E and Z isomers.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the definition of isomers in the context of the question, considering whether it refers only to the specific structure of 2-methyl-2-pentene or all C6H12 isomers.
  • One participant admits uncertainty about the correct answer and suggests that the question may refer to all C6H12 molecules.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct answer to the question, with multiple competing views regarding the classification of isomers for 2-methyl-2-pentene.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity regarding the definition of isomers as it pertains to the question, particularly whether it includes all C6H12 isomers or is limited to specific structural configurations of 2-methyl-2-pentene.

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Homework Statement



The compound 2-methyl-2-pentene:

Select one:
a. has no structural or geometric isomers
b. has 2 structural alkene isomers, each of which has an E isomer and a Z isomer form.
c. has 5 structural isomers
d. has 3 structural isomers
e. exists as E and Z isomers

The Attempt at a Solution



So the wording of this question confuses me a bit, I took that when it said the compound 2-methyl-2-pentene it was just talking about c6h12 - if this is not the case and I've understood it horribly wrong please inform me :)

So straight away I cross out A just because it's obvious that at least 1 structural isomer exists. I then eliminate C and D because there are more than 5 structural isomers. I then cross out B because there are more than 2 alkene isomers 1/2/3-hexene eg. So I guess I would go with E as my answer. I know it's an easy question but I always overthink them and end up getting them wrong so this is more to help me understand the question and clear up any misconceptions I may have. Thanks
 
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E is definitely not a correct answer, draw the molecule - does it have E, Z isomers?
 
Borek said:
E is definitely not a correct answer, draw the molecule - does it have E, Z isomers?

Damn you're 100% right! I had that originally but then I started to think of the question as talking about all C6H12 molecules. I'm a but confused as what constitutes an isomer in relation to this question - I assume it's not talking about all C6H12 isomers so does that mean it's only taking about the location of the double bond and methyl group? Is it C then? It seems to have a large number of structural isomers to me.
 
TBH, I am not sure what the correct answer is - I don't have time to investigate, and just intuition is not enough. To me it looks like it talks about all C6H12 molecules.
 

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