Dimethyl ether and ethyl alcohol are:

• A. metamers
• B. homologues
• C. functional isomers
• D. position isomers

Dimethyl ether and ethyl alcohol are classified as functional isomers. This means they have the same molecular formula (C2H6O) but different functional groups, leading to distinct chemical properties.

Understanding Functional Isomers

Functional isomers differ in the type of functional group present. In this case:

• Dimethyl ether has an ether functional group (R-O-R).
• Ethyl alcohol contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), making it an alcohol.

Why Not the Other Options?

Here’s a brief look at why the other options do not apply:

• Metamers: These are compounds with the same molecular formula but different carbon chain arrangements, which is not the case here.
• Homologues: These are compounds that differ by a repeating unit, typically a -CH2- group, which does not apply to dimethyl ether and ethyl alcohol.
• Position isomers: These have the same functional group but differ in the position of that group on the carbon chain, which is also not relevant in this scenario.

In summary, dimethyl ether and ethyl alcohol are functional isomers due to their different functional groups despite having the same molecular formula.