Constitutional isomers — Same formula, different connections
Build C and O bond networks. Hydrogen counts follow valence. Compare working structure B with reference A to distinguish constitutional isomers from different drawings.
Drag to redraw. Choose Connect/Disconnect to change the structure.
Choose the first and second atoms.
B's structure
C₄H₁₀
butane
4 C10 H
Same constitution
The atoms have the same connections. A different drawing does not create another isomer.
Read B's connections
Read B's connections
Atom
Bonded to
H count
C1 (C)
C2
3
C2 (C)
C1, C3
2
C3 (C)
C2, C4
2
C4 (C)
C3
3
1
Kept only for this visit. Duplicate structures do not create new cards.
butane
CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃
Preparing resourceModel notes
These diagrams show which atoms are connected, not bond angles, lengths or 3D molecular shapes. Rotating and aligning drawings does not test stereoisomerism.
This resource covers neutral, open-chain C₄H₁₀, C₅H₁₂ and C₃H₈O with single bonds. Hydrogen counts follow C(IV), O(II) and H(I) valences. Rings, ions, radicals, multiple bonds and conformations are excluded.
Disconnected fragments represent a drawing being edited. Adding or removing bonds does not simulate a chemical reaction. The collection compares connections, ignores positions and numeric labels, and lasts only for this visit.
Constitutional isomers — Same formula, different connections | Public library