Isomerism

Question 1

What are structural isomers?

Answer 1

Molecules which have the same molecular formula but different structural formula

Question 2

What are chain isomers?

Answer 2

Molecules that have the same molecular formula but one is linear and one is branched

Question 3

What are position isomers?

Answer 3

Molecules that have the same molecular formula but their functional group are in different places.

Question 4

What are functional group isomers?

Answer 4

Molecules that have the same molecular formula but different functional groups.

Question 5

What is stereoisomerism?

Answer 5

Molecules that have the same molecular formula, same functional groups and same functional group positions but different 3D arrangements of atoms in space.

Question 6

Where is stereoisomerism present in and why?

Answer 6

Alkenes, because of the restricted rotation around the carbon-carbon double bond.

Question 7

What is the difference between an E-alkene and a Z-alkene?

Answer 7

E-alkene = larger groups on opposite sides
Z-alkene = larger groups on ‘zame’ side.

Question 8

Explain the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules

Answer 8

The rules work by numbering the 4 directly connecting atoms in order of their atomic mass number to give them a ‘priority’
- Highest atomic number gets priority 1
- Second highest atomic number gets priority 2
- etc.