How many structural isomers are possible for a compound with molecular formula `C_(3)H_(7)Cl`

Options

A. 2
B. 5
C. 7
D. 9

Explanation

To determine the number of structural isomers for the compound with the molecular formula C₃H₇Cl, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Carbon Backbone
The molecular formula C₃H₇Cl indicates that we have three carbon atoms. The possible arrangements of these carbon atoms can be either a straight chain (propane) or a branched chain (isopropyl).

### Step 2: Consider the Halogen (Chlorine) Placement
Chlorine (Cl) can be attached to different carbon atoms in the structure. Since we have three carbon atoms, we can place the chlorine on:
- The first carbon (C1)
- The second carbon (C2)
- The third carbon (C3)

### Step 3: Draw the Possible Isomers
1. **1-chloropropane**: Chlorine is attached to the first carbon.
- Structure: CH₃-CH₂-CH₂Cl

2. **2-chloropropane**: Chlorine is attached to the second carbon.
- Structure: CH₃-CH(Cl)-CH₃

### Step 4: Count the Isomers
From the above structures, we can see that we have two distinct structural isomers:
- 1-chloropropane
- 2-chloropropane

### Conclusion
Thus, the total number of structural isomers for the compound with the molecular formula C₃H₇Cl is **2**.