Number of acyclic structural isomers of the compound having the molecular formula `C_4H_10O` is

Options

A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7

Answer

To find the number of acyclic structural isomers of the compound with the molecular formula C4H10O, we will consider both alcohols and ethers as possible functional groups.

### Step 1: Identify the possible alcohol isomers.
1. **Butanol (1-butanol)**: CH3CH2CH2CH2OH
2. **Isobutanol (2-butanol)**: CH3CH(OH)CH2CH3
3. **Tert-butanol (2-methyl-2-propanol)**: (CH3)3COH
4. **Butan-1-ol (1-butanol)**: CH3CH2CH2CH2OH

### Step 2: Count the alcohol isomers.
From the above, we have identified **4 alcohol isomers**:
1. Butanol
2. Isobutanol
3. Tert-butanol
4. 2-butanol

### Step 3: Identify the possible ether isomers.
1. **Dimethyl ether**: CH3OCH3
2. **Ethyl methyl ether**: CH3CH2OCH3
3. **Butyl methyl ether**: CH3OCH2CH2CH3

### Step 4: Count the ether isomers.
From the above, we have identified **3 ether isomers**:
1. Dimethyl ether
2. Ethyl methyl ether
3. Butyl methyl ether

### Step 5: Calculate the total number of acyclic structural isomers.
Now, we can sum the number of alcohol and ether isomers:
- Alcohol isomers = 4
- Ether isomers = 3

Total acyclic structural isomers = 4 (alcohols) + 3 (ethers) = **7**

### Final Answer:
The total number of acyclic structural isomers of the compound with the molecular formula C4H10O is **7**.

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