Chapter 23, Problem 19PS

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: (a) The Lewis structures of the alkane having seven carbon chain and one methyl as a side chain have to be drawn. (b) The chiral carbon containing structures among them are to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Structural Isomers are the structure of a molecule with same molecular formula but have different arrangements of bonds and atoms. For a single molecular formula of alkanes higher than propane different arrangements of atoms can give a different structure.

A chiral carbon is the carbon atom which is substituted to four different groups. Due to presence of chiral carbon a molecule become chiral and it gives optical isomers also that is $R\text{ and }S$ isomers. For example,

  

All the substituents are different hence is is a chiral carbon and so molecule.