Total number of possible isomers (both structural as well as stereoisomers) of cyclic ethers of molecular formula C₄H₈O is:

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NEET 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 04 May, 2025)

Answer 1

CONCEPT:

Cyclic Ethers and Isomerism

Cyclic ethers are organic compounds that contain an oxygen atom within a ring structure.
Isomers of cyclic ethers can include both structural isomers (different connectivity of atoms) and stereoisomers (same connectivity but different spatial arrangement).
For a given molecular formula, isomer count depends on the number of possible ring sizes, substitution patterns, and stereoisomeric configurations.

EXPLANATION:

Possible structures include:
- Four-membered rings (oxetanes) with different substitution patterns.
- Three-membered rings (epoxides) with different substitution patterns.
Considering stereoisomerism:
- Epoxides can have cis and trans stereoisomers due to the planar nature of the three-membered ring.
- Oxetanes with different substitutions can also exhibit stereoisomerism.
Upon counting all possible structural and stereoisomers:
- Three-membered ring (epoxides): 6 isomers (including stereoisomers).
- Four-membered ring (oxetanes): 4 isomers (including stereoisomers).
Total number of isomers = 6 (epoxides) + 4 (oxetanes) = 10.

Therefore, the total number of possible isomers (both structural and stereoisomers) of cyclic ethers with the molecular formula C₄H₈O is 10.