Explain the term structural isomerism giving example.

Structural isomerism occurs when compounds have the same molecular formula but different structures, leading to different properties. These isomers differ in the way their atoms are connected.

There are several types of structural isomerism, including:

Chain Isomerism: Different arrangements of the carbon chain.
Position Isomerism: Different positions of a functional group or substituent.
Functional Group Isomerism: Different functional groups.
Tautomeric Isomerism: Different forms of the same functional group due to proton transfer.
Example:

Consider the molecular formula
𝐶
4
𝐻
1
0
𝑂
C
4
​
H
1
​
0O. This formula represents two structural isomers:

Butanol: An alcohol with the structure CH₃(CH₂)₂CH₂OH.
Ethoxyethane (or Diethyl Ether): An ether with the structure CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₃.
These two compounds have the same molecular formula but different structures and properties.