Draw the five structural isomers of hexane $\left(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{14}\right)$

Start by drawing the straight-chain structure of hexane, containing six carbon atoms in a row, with each carbon atom bonded to the appropriate number of hydrogen atoms to fulfill its four covalent bonds. 1. Hexane (straight chain): \[ \mathrm{CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3} \]

To create the first branched isomer, remove a hydrogen from one of the carbon atoms, and add a methyl group (CH3) to a neighboring carbon atom. It's essential not to create an isomer that is just a rotated version of one you already drew. 2. 2-Methylpentane (one of the carbons now has a methyl group attached) : \[ \mathrm{CH_3CH(CH_3)CH_2CH_2CH_3} \]

Follow the method in Step 2 to create another branched isomer by removing a hydrogen atom from an internal carbon atom (not already containing a methyl group) and attaching a methyl group to that carbon atom without duplicating any previous structures. 3. 3-Methylpentane (another methyl group attached on a different carbon) : \[ \mathrm{CH_3CH_2CH(CH_3)CH_2CH_3} \]

Repeat the process in Steps 2 and 3 to create a third and fourth branched isomer with the methyl groups in different arrangements. Make sure not to create a duplicate of a previously drawn structure. Ensure that only two methyl groups are being added for these isomers, or you will break the hexane molecular formula. 4. 2,2-Dimethylbutane (two methyl groups attached to the same carbon) : \[ \mathrm{CH_3C(CH_3)_2CH_2CH_3} \] 5. 2,3-Dimethylbutane (two methyl groups attached to different carbons) : \[ \mathrm{CH_3CH(CH_3)CH(CH_3)CH_3} \] Now you have drawn the five structural isomers of hexane. Each has the same molecular formula, C6H14, but different arrangements of the carbon and hydrogen atoms in the structure.