Configuration

Question 1

What defines chemical configuration?

Answer 1

Bonds between atoms define chemical configuration

Question 2

How do you change configuration?

Answer 2

Changes in configuration require bond breaking and making

Question 3

What is a configurational isomer?

Answer 3

Different isomers are configurations of the same set of atoms

Question 4

What is stereoisomerism?

Answer 4

Two or more compounds differing only in the spatial arrangement of their atoms

Question 5

What is an enantiomer?

Answer 5

A pair of molecules that are non superimposable mirror images of each other- chiral molecules

Question 6

Do enantiomers have the same properties?

Answer 6

Enantiomers have the same physical and chemical properties

However if they interact with something which is also asymmetrical, their properties can be different

Question 7

Give example of physical and chemical properties of enantiomers

Answer 7

Physical properties- direction in which they rotate polarised light
Chemical properties- interaction with different optical isomers of other compounds

Question 8

What is a diastereoisomers?

Answer 8

A stereoisomers that is not an enantiomers- not mirror images
They have 2 chiral centres and one of the chiral centres is different in one of the compounds

Question 9

Do diastereoisomers have the same properties?

Answer 9

They differ in their physical and chemical properties

Question 10

What is a structural isomer?

Answer 10

Molecules that have the same molecule formula but their atoms are bonded in a different order

Question 11

Do structural isomers have the same properties?

Answer 11

They differ in chemical and physical properties

Question 12

How does configuration affect properties?

Answer 12

The configuration of a chemical compound dictates its chemical properties

Question 13

What is homogeneity?

Answer 13

Refers to the quality of something being all the same

Question 14

What is heterogeneity?

Answer 14

Refers to the state of things being diverse in character- different

Question 15

Are small molecules usually homo or heterogenous in configuration?
And what does this mean?

Answer 15

Usually homogeneous- they are essentially all in the same configuration
This means they are highly specific using only one enantiomer e.g. L amino acids

Question 16

Are synthetic organic polymers usually homo or heterogenous in configuration?
And what does this mean?

Answer 16

Usually heterogeneous- different

Different with respect to composition but mostly with molecular weight

Question 17

Are proteins and nucleic acids usually homo or heterogenous in configuration?
And what does this mean?

Answer 17

There are many types of proteins and nucleic acids in each cell- but all homogenous
Reflects role of nucleic acids in information storage and proteins in translation of GC

Question 18

Are carbohydrates usually homo or heterogenous in configuration?

Answer 18

High heterogenous- like synthetic polymers