Chapter 23.1, Problem 6R

To determine

To Draw: The structural formula of cyclobutane.

To explain whether cyclobutane and butane are isomers.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:Isomers are different compounds having the same elemental composition.

Cyclobutane is a cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon containing four carbon atoms.

Its structural formula:

Each of the four carbon atom is attached to two hydrogen atoms. So, its chemical formula is ${\text{C}}_4{\text{H}}_8$ .

The chemical formula of butane is ${\text{C}}_4{\text{H}}_{10}$ and its structural formula is:

By definition, isomers are two or more compounds having the same molecular formula.

As cyclobutane and butane have different molecular formula, they are not isomers.

Conclusion: Cyclobutane has a ring structure and chemical formula ${\text{C}}_4{\text{H}}_8$ , while butane has straight chain structure and chemical formula ${\text{C}}_4{\text{H}}_{10}$ . So they are not isomers.