Isomers

• What are isomers?

  Molecules with the same formula, different structures
• What defines structural isomers?

  Same molecular formula, different structural formula
• What are the three types of structural isomers?

  • Chain isomers
  • Position isomers
  • Functional group isomers
• What characterizes chain isomers?

  Same functional groups, different carbon skeleton arrangements
• What are the chain isomers of C₄H₁₀?

  • Butane (straight-chain)
  • Methylpropane (branched-chain)
• What are the chain isomers of C₄H₈COOH?

  • Butanoic acid (straight-chain)
  • Methylpropanoic acid (branched-chain)
• What defines position isomers?

  Same skeleton, different attachment of atoms/groups
• What are the position isomers of C₄H₉Cl?

  • 1-chlorobutane (Cl on first carbon)
  • 2-chlorobutane (Cl on second carbon)
• What are functional group isomers?

  Same atoms, different functional group arrangements
• What are the functional group isomers of C₆H₁₂?

  • Hex-1-ene (alkene)
  • Cyclohexane (alkane)
• What can atoms do around single C-C bonds?

  Atoms can rotate freely around single C-C bonds
• How many position isomers are there for C₃H₇Br?

  Two position isomers
• What are the position isomers of C₃H₇Br?

  • 1-bromopropane (Br on first carbon)
  • 2-bromopropane (Br on second carbon)
• Why might some drawn molecules appear to be isomers but are not?

  Atoms can be drawn differently but are identical
• What is the significance of the Br position in 1-bromopropane and 2-bromopropane?

  • 1-bromopropane: Br on first carbon
  • 2-bromopropane: Br on second carbon