Solving CycloHexane Isomerism: Find Total # Possible Isomers

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SUMMARY

The total number of possible isomers for the molecular formula C6H12 containing a cyclobutane ring is 7, not 8 as initially calculated. The correction arises from the analysis of Compound 3, where only the trans form contributes to optical isomerism, resulting in three isomers instead of four. The breakdown includes one isomer from Compound 1, one from Compound 2, three from Compound 3, and two from Compound 4. The final count confirms the book's assertion of 7 isomers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cycloalkanes and their structures
  • Knowledge of isomerism types: optical and geometrical
  • Familiarity with molecular formula representation
  • Basic principles of symmetry in chemical compounds
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of cycloalkane isomerism in organic chemistry
  • Study the differences between optical and geometrical isomerism
  • Learn about symmetry and its impact on isomer count
  • Explore examples of isomerism in other cycloalkanes
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, organic chemists, and anyone studying molecular structures and isomerism in organic compounds.

phoenixXL
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Question
Find out the total number of possible isomers with molecular formula C6H12 that contain a cyclobutane ring.

Attempted Solution
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In Compound 3, Optical Isomerism is possible (geometrical isomerism is also possible but is neglected due to presence of optical isomerism) about both the branches, hence it will be counted as 4 isomers

In Compound 4, Geometrical Isomerism is possible about the two branches, therefore it will be counted as 2 isomers

Counting All
: 1 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 8

Hence there are 8 isomers possible

Problem
The book where I found this question says that it consists only of 7 isomers.

Please help me out. Thanks for your time.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Check 3rd.
 
Yes, I was suspecting the argument with compound 3.

Please Verify
Compound 3 will have cis & trans forms. The cis form due to symmetry would not have optical isomers whereas the trans form would have optical isomers. As a result there would be three isomers (rather than 4).
 
Yes, 3 not 4.
 
thank you for your time :)
 
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