Question

Which of the following compounds is/are metamers? (This question has multiple correct options).
A.) Diethyl ether
B.) $2 -$Methoxy propane
C.) $1 -$Methoxy propane
D.) Butanal

Answer 1

Metamers are those compounds which have the same molecular formula but they have different alkyl groups on either side of functional groups. So, in given compounds we will find out which of the following have the same molecular formulas but different alkyl groups.

Complete step by step answer:
In this question, metamer is a compound that exhibits metamerism with one or more compounds. These compounds have the same molecular formula but different number of carbon atoms on either side of the functional group. Metamerism occurs among the members of the same homologous family.
In option A.)
The diethyl ether has the general formula ${C_4}{H_{10}}O$. The structure of diethyl ether can be shown as:

In option B.)
The $2 -$Methoxy propane has the general chemical formula as ${C_4}{H_{10}}O$. The structure of $2 -$Methoxy propane can be represented as:

In option C.)
The $1 -$Methoxy propane has the general chemical formula as ${C_4}{H_{10}}O$. The structure of $1 -$Methoxy propane can be represented as:

In option D.)
The Butanal has the general chemical formula as ${C_4}{H_8}O$. The structure of butanal can be represented as:

As we can see that Diethyl ether, $2 -$Methoxy propane and $1 -$Methoxy propane , all of them have same molecular formula that is ${C_4}{H_{10}}O$.Also, all of them have different alkyl groups on either side of the functional group. Therefore, Diethyl ether, $2 -$Methoxy propane and $1 -$Methoxy propane are metamers of each other.

Hence, A, B and C are correct options.

Note:
Remember that metamerism is one of the types of structural isomerism because the compounds that show structural isomers have the same molecular formula but different in arrangement of atoms within the molecule. In metamerism, arrangement is different about a functional group.