Finding the no. of Isomers for Alkanes

 ALKANES



Total no. of isomers of alkane can be calculated by this formula :

Carbon Number	No. of Isomers
Upto Heptane	2n-4 + 1
Octane	2n-4 + 2
Nonane	2n-4 + 3

Where n is the no. of  Carbon atoms

Eg:
C₇H₁₆
n = 7
Total no. of alkane isomers: 2^7-4 + 1= 2³ + 1 = 8+1 = 9


If the carbon and hydrogen atoms are in this format C_nH_2n+2  then remember the provided molecular formula gives the isomers of alkane.