Question

There are two isomers with the formula CH₃NO₂. How will you distinguish between them?

Answer 1

CH₃NO₂ has two isomers.

They are

1. CH₃ – NO₂ (Nitromethane)

2. \[\begin{array}{cc}
\ce{CH2 = NOH}\\
\phantom{...}↓\\
\phantom{....}\ce{O}
\end{array}\]

\[\begin{array}{cc}
\phantom{}\ce{H}\phantom{...}\ce{O}\phantom{..............................}\\
\phantom{}|\phantom{....}||\phantom{..............................}\\
\ce{OH - C - N -> O <->[Tautomerises] CH2 = N - O - H}\\
\phantom{.}|\phantom{..............................}↓\phantom{...}\\
\phantom{.}\ce{\underset{(Nitro-form)}{H}}\phantom{.......................}\ce{\underset{(Aci-form)}{O}}\phantom{....}
\end{array}\]

Sr. No.	Nitro methane (Nitro-form)	Methyl nitrite (Aci-form)
(i)	Less acidic in nature.	More acidic and also called pseudoacids (or) nitronic acids.
(ii)	Dissolves in NaOH slowly.	Dissolves in NaOH instantly.
(iii)	Decolourises FeCl3 solution.	FeCl3 gives reddish brown colour.
(iv)	Electrical conductivity is low.	Electrical conductivity is high.