Isomers
Many of the chain hydrocarbons can have the same formula, but their structures
may differ. For example, butane is the first compound that can have two different
structures or isomers for the same formula.
REMEMBER
Isomers have the same formula but different structures.This isomerization can be shown by the following equation:
The isomers have different properties, both physical and chemical, from those of
hydrocarbons with the normal structure.
HYDROCARBON DERIVATIVES
Alcohols—Methanol and Ethanol
The simplest alcohols are alkanes that have one or more hydrogen atoms replaced
by the hydroxyl group, –OH. This is called its functional group.