Download Isomers are different compounds that have the same molecular

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Isomer Activity – Using Molecular Models
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Background Information:
Isomers are different compounds that have the same molecular formula.
In this activity you are going to look at structural isomers, in which the atoms are joined in different
order so that they have different structural formulae. Structural isomers can be further subdivided into



positional isomers (have the same hydrocarbon skeleton and the same functional groups… but the
functional group is joined to a different part of the skeleton),
hydrocarbon chain isomers (have different hydrocarbon skeletons), and
functional group isomers (have different functional groups).
Purpose:
In this lab you are going to use molecular model kits to explore the molecular and structural formulas
of isomers of different compounds. You will do this as a table team. Each table team will work on 3 sets of
isomers, as shown in the table below.
Table Team
Isomer Group
A*
B*
C*
D**
E**
F**
1
2
C4H10
3
4
C5H12
C5H10
C6H10
C6H12
C3H8O
C4H8
C5H8
C4H10O
C3H6O
C4H8O2
6
C6H14
C4H6
C5H10O
5
C5H12O
C4H8O
C5H10O2
C3H6O2
* Isomers in groups A, B, and C may contain straight chain or ring hydrocarbons.
**To simplify the task, do not use double or triple bonds between carbon atoms and do not use ring structures in
the isomers in groups D, E, and F.
Directions:
For each molecule assigned to your team, the task is to…
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
use the model kit(s) to build as many isomers of the given molecular formula as you can.
record each different isomer you build by drawing the structural formula in such a way as to
convey the general shape of the molecule.
convert these structural formulas into condensed structural formulas.
Identify the functional groups within each isomer:
alkane, alkene, alkyne,
alcohol, ether, aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid, ester
identify the type of isomers present within the isomer group (positional isomers, hydrocarbon
chain isomers, and/or functional group isomers)
You’ll need to come up with an organized way to collect this information. Please collect your data for
each Isomer Group on a separate sheet of paper. We only need 1 copy of the data per Table Team.
For instance, Table Team 1 will submit 3 sets of data – one for Isomer Group A, one for Isomer Group
C, and one for Isomer Group E. Be sure that your names, date and period appear on each set of
data… along with a very visible label that identifies both the Group and the molecular formula.
Analysis:
Make note of any patterns you notice as you build the isomers in each group… and as you share your
findings with other teams.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Allow plenty of time to ‘clean up’… returning the model kit parts to the appropriate boxes. Check to be
sure each kit contains the proper number of balls and sticks.