Question:medium

Which of the following pairs of alkenes is an example of position isomers?

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The IUPAC nomenclature makes finding position isomers very straightforward. If the root word is identical (like "but") indicating the same carbon skeleton, and only the number locant changes (like "1-ene" vs "2-ene"), it is a textbook example of a position isomer.
Updated On: Jun 4, 2026
  • But-1-ene and 2-methylprop-1-ene
  • But-1-ene and 2-methylbut-1-ene
  • But-1-ene and but-2-ene
  • But-2-ene and 2-methylprop-1-ene
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the question.
We must find the pair that are position isomers. Position isomers have the same molecular formula and the same carbon skeleton, but the double bond sits in a different place.

Step 2: Check but-1-ene and 2-methylprop-1-ene.
Both are $\text{C}_4\text{H}_8$, but one is a straight chain and the other is branched. Different skeletons make them chain isomers, not position isomers.

Step 3: Check but-1-ene and 2-methylbut-1-ene.
These have different formulas, $\text{C}_4\text{H}_8$ and $\text{C}_5\text{H}_{10}$. Different formulas means they are not isomers at all.

Step 4: Check but-2-ene and 2-methylprop-1-ene.
These have the same formula $\text{C}_4\text{H}_8$ but different skeletons (straight versus branched), so they are chain isomers, not position isomers.

Step 5: Check but-1-ene and but-2-ene.
Both are $\text{C}_4\text{H}_8$ with the same straight four carbon chain. The only difference is the double bond at carbon 1 versus carbon 2. That is exactly position isomerism.

Step 6: Pick the answer.
The position isomers are but-1-ene and but-2-ene, which is option 3.
\[ \boxed{\text{But-1-ene and but-2-ene}} \]
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