Which formula is most useful is distinguishing isomers?
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The most useful formula in distinguishing isomers is the structural formula.
Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula (i.e. same number of atoms of each element), but different structural arrangements of those atoms. Structural formulas show the arrangement of atoms in a compound and their chemical bonds.
For example, consider two isomers of butane – 2-methylpropane and n-butane. Both have the same molecular formula C4H10, but they have different structural formulas. 2-methylpropane has a branching structure, while n-butane has a straight chain structure. Hence, by looking at the structural formula, we can easily distinguish between the two isomers.
Other types of formulas, such as molecular formulas (which only give the number of atoms of each element in a molecule) or empirical formulas (which give the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a compound), may not be sufficient to distinguish between isomers. Therefore, the structural formula is the most useful formula for distinguishing isomers.
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