These compounds all have four carbon atoms and two -OH groups. Their names are:
1. 1,3-butanediol ........................................2. 2,3-butanediol .................................3. 1,4-butanediol
.................................4. 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol ........................5. 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol
As we would expect with isomers, the properties of the compounds differ as their structures differ.
For example, 1,3-butanediol is very hygroscopic, has a boiling point of 207.5oC, is soluble in water, in ethanol, in castor oil, but not in hydrocarbons.
Compare this with 2,3-butanediol which is less hygroscopic, has a boiling point of 180oC, and is not particularly soluble in the solvents which dissolve 1,3-butanediol.
