Question

n – propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are examples of:
A.Position isomerism
B.Chain isomerism
C.Tautomerism
D.Geometrical isomerism

Answer 1

Isomerism can be understood as the phenomenon when two or more compounds have the same molecular formula, but they have different molecular structures. To explain this in simpler terms, we can say that two or more compounds have the same constituent atoms in equal numbers, but the arrangement of these atoms within the respective molecules are different.

Complete Step-by-Step Answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of the given question, let us first understand some important basic concepts.
The compounds given to us are n – propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol and their molecular structures can be given as:
1.n – propyl alcohol

2.isopropyl alcohol

Now, Tautomerism can be explained as a type of isomerism that is exhibited by different compounds which involves only the change in the positions of protons and electrons, rather than the entire molecular structure. This means that positions of the constituent atoms are unaltered but the orientations of the electrons and protons are shifting.
Chain isomerism can be explained as the variation in the arrangements of the carbon chains within the given molecules. To explain it in simpler terms, we can explain chain isomers as two or more molecules which have the same molecular formula but different parent chains in their molecular structure.
Position isomerism occurs when two or more molecules have the same functional groups present on different positions in the same parent carbon chain
Geometrical isomerism is a type of isomerism where the compounds under consideration have the same structural formulae but the arrangements of the groups of attached substituents may differ. These variations may occur in groups of single atoms, in rings or even in the double bonds present in the structure.
Hence, from the discussion above and the molecular structures of the given compounds, we can say the isomerism exhibited in this case is position isomerism

Hence, Option A is the correct option

Note: The major condition for any compound to exhibit tautomerism is that it should have at least one alpha hydrogen atom. In tautomerism, molecules with the same molecular formula interconvert rapidly. Hence, these molecules also exhibit dynamic equilibrium with each other. Also, tautomerism can be exhibited by any functional group as long as the parent chain has at least one alpha hydrogen.