Answer
Cyclic Ether Skeletons for C₄H₈O
Cyclic ethers are ring structures containing an oxygen atom. For the molecular formula C₄H₈O, several ring-based isomers are possible. Below is a detailed description of each structure and its stereochemical variants:
(i) Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
A five-membered ring with one oxygen atom.
Isomers: 1
(ii) 2-Methyloxetane
A four-membered ring with a methyl group at position 2.
Isomers: 1
(iii) 3-Methyloxetane
A four-membered ring with a methyl group at position 3, making the carbon chiral.
Isomers: 2 (R and S enantiomers)
(iv) 2,2-Dimethyloxirane
A three-membered ring with two methyl groups on the same carbon.
Isomers: 3 (2 enantiomers + 1 meso form)
(v) 2-Methyloxirane
A three-membered ring with a methyl group at position 2.
Isomers: 1
(vi) 3-Methyltetrahydrofuran
A five-membered ring with a methyl group at position 3, forming a chiral center.
Isomers: 2 (R and S enantiomers)
Total Stereochemical Variants
1 (i) + 1 (ii) + 2 (iii) + 3 (iv) + 1 (v) + 2 (vi) = 10 isomers