Pentane is a hydrocarbon with a chemical formula of C5H12, which means it has five carbon atoms and 12 hydrogen atoms. The carbon atoms in pentane can be arranged in different ways, which results in different structures with the same chemical formula. These different structures are called isomers.
In the case of pentane, there are three types of isomers:
1. Straight-chain pentane: This is the most basic isomer of pentane, with all five carbon atoms arranged in a straight line.
2. Branched-chain pentane: In this isomer, the carbon atoms are arranged in a branched structure.
3. Cyclopentane: This isomer has a ring structure, with the five carbon atoms arranged in a closed loop.
Therefore, pentane has 3 isomers.