Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures from "summary" of Organic Chemistry by John E. McMurry
Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structures. This means that they contain the same number of atoms of each element but arrange them in different ways. These differences in structure can lead to differences in physical and chemical properties, making isomers distinct compounds with unique characteristics. There are two main types of isomers: structural isomers and stereoisomers. Structural isomers have different structural arrangements of atoms, resulting in different connectivity between atoms. This can lead to differences in properties such as boiling point, melting point, and reactivity. For example, butane and isobutane are structural isomers of each other, with different arrangements of carbon atoms. On the other hand, stereoisomers have the same connectivity between atoms but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms. This can result in differences in properties such as optical activity, where one isomer may rotate plane-polarized light while the other does not. An example of stereoisomers is cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene, which have the same molecular formula but different spatial arrangements of atoms around a double bond. Isomers can also be classified based on the number of possible isomers that can be formed. For example, compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements can have multiple structural isomers. This is often the case with larger, more complex molecules where there are multiple ways to arrange the atoms.- Isomers are important in organic chemistry as they demonstrate the relationship between structure and properties of compounds. By studying isomers, chemists can better understand how the arrangement of atoms influences the behavior of molecules in various chemical reactions. This concept of isomerism plays a crucial role in organic chemistry and is essential for understanding the diversity and complexity of organic compounds.
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