What is the total number of acyclic ether isomers (including both structural and stereoisomers) possible for the molecular formula C ₅ H ₁₂ O ?

Step-by-step solution

The molecular formula is C ₅ H ₁₂ O . The degree of unsaturation is 5 - 12 2 + 1 = 0 , which means the compounds are fully saturated and acyclic. Acyclic ethers have the general formula R-O-R' . For a total of 5 carbon atoms, the possible combinations of alkyl groups are: 1. Methyl and Butyl ( 1 + 4 carbons) 2. Ethyl and Propyl ( 2 + 3 carbons) For Methyl and Butyl ethers ( CH ₃- O - C ₄ H ₉ ), the butyl group can be: - n-butyl: CH ₃- O - CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ (1 isomer) - sec-butyl: CH ₃- O - CH ( CH ₃) CH ₂ CH ₃ .