Which of the following kinds of isomerism can nitroethane exhibit?

Options

A. Metamerism
B. Optical activity
C. Tautomerism
D. Position isomerism

Explanation

To determine the kinds of isomerism that nitroethane can exhibit, we will analyze the structure of nitroethane and the types of isomerism mentioned in the options: metamerism, optical activity, tautomerism, and position isomerism.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the structure of nitroethane**:
- Nitroethane has the chemical formula C2H7NO2. Its structure can be represented as CH3CH2NO2, where the nitro group (NO2) is attached to the ethyl group (CH3CH2).

2. **Evaluate the types of isomerism**:
- **Metamerism**: This type of isomerism occurs when there are different alkyl groups on either side of a functional group. Nitroethane does not have different alkyl groups on either side of the nitro group, so it does not exhibit metamerism.
- **Optical activity**: Optical isomerism occurs when a compound can exist in two non-superimposable mirror images (enantiomers). Nitroethane does not have a chiral center (a carbon atom bonded to four different groups), thus it cannot exhibit optical activity.
- **Tautomerism**: Tautomerism is a type of isomerism where compounds can readily interconvert between two isomers (tautomers) that differ in the position of a proton and a double bond. Nitroethane can exist in tautomeric forms, such as the nitro form and its corresponding acid form.
- **Position isomerism**: This type of isomerism occurs when functional groups are located at different positions on the same carbon skeleton. Nitroethane does not have different positions for the nitro group on the ethyl chain, so it does not exhibit position isomerism.

3. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, nitroethane can exhibit tautomerism. The correct answer is that nitroethane exhibits tautomerism.

### Final Answer:
Nitroethane exhibits tautomerism.