Isomerism

• what are isomers?

  molecules which have the same molecular formula but different structure
• structural isomers:

  molecules with the same molecular formula but different bonding patterns of atoms
• geometric isomers:


  (stereoisomer) molecules which have different arrangement of groups around c=c
• optical isomers:


  (stereoisomers) molecules which are non-superimposable mirror images
• structural isomers:


  (isomerism) molecules with the same molecular formula but different structures
• chain isomers:


  (structural isomerism) structural isomers that differ by having a different carbon chain
• position isomers:


  (structural isomerism) differ by having the functional group in a different position
• functional group isomers: 


  (structural isomers) differ by having a different functional group
• What is the term used for isomers that have the same structural formula but different arrangements of atoms in space?


  Stereoisomers
• What is an example of a compound that exhibits E/Z isomerism?


  H3CH2C=C-CH3
• What is the characteristic of the C=C bond and the atoms bonded directly in E/Z isomerism?


  They are flat
• Under what condition does E/Z isomerism occur?


  When there are 2 different atoms or groups of atoms on the same carbon
• What does the 'E' in E/Z isomerism stand for?


  Entgegen (opposite)
• What does the 'Z' in E/Z isomerism stand for?


  Zusammen (together)
• What are the key features of E/Z isomerism?


  • Same structural formula
  • Different arrangement of atoms in space
  • Occurs with C=C bonds
  • Requires 2 different atoms/groups on the same carbon
• What is an example of a compound that exhibits geometric isomerism?

  1. butene
• In 2-butene, what are the two possible arrangements of the methyl groups?

  Cis and trans isomers
• How does the arrangement of methyl groups in 2-butene affect its properties?

  It leads to varying physical properties
• What physical properties can vary due to geometric isomerism in alkenes?

  Boiling points and solubility
• Why is geometric isomerism important in biological systems?

  It affects the function of biological molecules
• How does geometric isomerism impact industrial applications?

  It influences product properties and performance