The compound which shows metamerism is :
Correct Answer :
C4H10O
C4H10O
Solution :
The correct option is C4H10O.
Metamerism is a type of structural isomerism that arises due to the presence of different alkyl chains (unequal distribution of carbon atoms) attached on either side of a polyvalent functional group (such as a divalent oxygen atom , sulfur , secondary amine , or carbonyl group ).
Let us evaluate the options step-by-step:
1. C3H8O:
This molecular formula represents alcohols and ethers. The only ether possible with this formula is ethyl methyl ether:
Since we cannot write any other isomeric ether with a different distribution of alkyl groups around the oxygen atom, this compound cannot exhibit metamerism.
2. C3H6O:
This molecular formula represents aldehydes, ketones, or unsaturated ethers/alcohols. The only ketone possible is propanone (acetone):
Since there is only one ketone structure possible, it cannot show metamerism.
3. C4H10O:
This molecular formula represents saturated monohydric alcohols and ethers. Ethers possess a divalent oxygen atom () as their functional group. We can write multiple isomeric ethers with different alkyl groups on either side of the oxygen atom:
• Diethyl ether: (two ethyl groups)
• Methyl propyl ether: (one methyl and one propyl group)
• Methyl isopropyl ether: (one methyl and one isopropyl group)
These compounds differ only in the alkyl groups attached to the divalent oxygen atom. Thus, they are metamers, and C4H10O exhibits metamerism.
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