Due in two hours, I can't figure it out I spent 45 mins on this

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the isomers of C4H10O that are classified as ethers. Participants are addressing a homework problem related to organic chemistry, specifically focusing on structural isomers and their representations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over their drawn models, questioning the relevance of cis and trans isomerism in the context of ethers.
  • Another participant suggests that the original poster should explore different arrangements of atoms to find additional isomers, emphasizing the need for single-bond models and considering various carbon chain lengths and oxygen placements.
  • A third participant points out that the original drawings do not represent distinct isomers but rather the same molecule depicted multiple times.
  • A fourth participant, not specializing in chemistry, questions the choice of drawing orientation, suggesting that a horizontal layout might be simpler.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion shows a lack of consensus on the original poster's drawings and their classification as isomers. Participants are providing differing perspectives on the correct approach to identifying ethers and the representation of molecular structures.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of isomers and the specific structural requirements for ethers. The discussion does not clarify the criteria for distinguishing between different isomer types.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying organic chemistry, particularly those focusing on isomerism and molecular structure representation.

flyingpig
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Due in two hours, I can't figure it out! I spent 45 mins on this

Homework Statement



Give the isomers of C4H10O that are ethers

I am doing this on Mastering Chem and it isn't working



The Attempt at a Solution




[PLAIN]http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/9666/21624147.jpg

I don't understand, I've got a cis and tran, what's going on?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Why do you care about CIS and TRANS? You are looking for isomers of ethers using C4H10O, and you only entered one single drawn model. You should easily be able to find other arrangements for those numbers of atoms. You should only need models using single-bonds. Think: shorter or longer chains of carbons; other positions for the oxygen; any branches other than just methyl groups?
 


These are not not cis and trans, what you have is the same molecule repeated twice.
 
hi flyingpig! :smile:

pardon a non-chemist for asking :redface:

but why are you drawing them diagonally when it seems easier to do it horizontally? :confused:
 

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