7: Isomerism Flashcards
1
Q
What is a structural isomer
A
Compound with same molecular formula but different structure
2
Q
What is a stereoisomer
A
Stereoisomers have the same structural formulae, but their atoms are arranged differently in space.
3
Q
What are the 2 types of stereoisomerism
A
E/Z isomerism
Optical isomerism
4
Q
Why do E/Z isomers exist
A
Rotation around the C=C bond is not possible because it would break the sideways overlap of the π bond.
5
Q
What are optical isomers
A
Compounds whose molecules are non-superimposable mirror images.
Contain chiral centres
6
Q
What is a chiral centre
A
A carbon atom joined to 4 different groups
