What is isomerism ?
Answers
ISOMERISM :-
★ Isomerism is the phenomenon whereby certain compounds, with the same molecular formula, exist in different forms owing to their different organisations of atoms.
★ The concept of isomerism illustrates the fundamental importance of molecular structure and shape in organic chemistry.
Isomerism
Isomerism is the phenomenon whereby certain compounds, with the same molecular formula, exist in different forms owing to their different organisations of atoms. The concept of isomerism illustrates the fundamental importance of molecular structure and shape in organic chemistry.
Types of Isomerism
Basically, there are two types. They are:
=>Structural Isomerism
=>Stereoisomerism
Structural Isomerism
Isomers are structural isomers when they have the same molecular formula but different structures, as in how they are linked to each other.
These are of the following types :-
1. Chain Isomerism-Isomers are chain isomers when two or more compounds have the same molecular formula but differ in the branching of carbon atoms. For example, we can represent C5H12 as three compounds: CH3CH2CH2CH2CH3– pentane.
2. Position Isomerism-Isomers are position isomers when the two or more compounds differ in the position of the functional group or substituent atoms. For example, we can represent C3H7OH in two arrangements:CH3CH2CH2OH -Propan-1-ol
3. Functional Isomerism-Isomers are functional isomers when the two or more compounds have an identical molecular formula but differ in the functional group present. These isomers are functional isomers. For example, we can represent C3H6O as a ketone and as an aldehyde.
4.Metamerism-This is exhibited by compounds due to the presence of different alkyl chains on either side of the functional group. For example, we can represent C4H10O as ethoxyethane (C2H5OC2H5) and methoxypropane (CH3OC3H7)
5.Stereo Isomerism-Stereoisomerism is a phenomenon in which compounds have the same molecular formula but differ in the relative positioning or orientation of atoms in space. Stereoisomers are the compounds exhibiting stereoisomerism. We can further classify stereoisomerism into:
Geometric Isomerism: it is shown by molecules in which their spatial positions are locked to each other due to the presence of a ring structure or a double bond.
Optical Isomerism: Two or more compounds that have the same molecular arrangement but differ in the optical activity are optical isomers.