isomerism

Question 1

Define structural isomerism:

Answer 1

Same molecular formula but a different structural formula

Question 2

Define chain isomerism:

Answer 2

Same functional groups but different arrangements of the carbon skeleton. Some are straight chains and some are branched (e.g methyl groups)

Question 3

Define position isomerism:

Answer 3

Same skeleton and the same atoms/groups of atoms attached, however the atoms/groups of atoms are attached to different carbons

Question 4

Define functional group isomerism:

Answer 4

Same atoms arranged into different functional groups
e.g aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and esters
alkenes and cycloalkanes

Question 5

Define stereoisomerism:

Answer 5

Same structural formula, but their atoms are arranged differently in space

Question 6

Why are alkenes said to have restricted rotation?

Answer 6

Atoms cannot rotate about the C=C double bond

Question 7

What is E-Z isomerism?

Answer 7

If the two carbons have two different groups attached to them, there will be E-Z isomerism. E is when the two groups (heaviest ones if multiple) are on opposite sides. Z is when the two groups are on the same size

Question 8

What is optical isomerism?

Answer 8

A type of stereoisomerism where there is a chiral carbon (has 4 different groups attached)

Question 9

What is another name for optical isomer?

Answer 9

Enantiomer

Question 10

What is plane polarised light?

Answer 10

All the light is vibrating in the same plane

Question 11

How does plane polarised light interact with enantiomers?

Answer 11

When plane polarised light passes through an optically active mixture, the molecules will rotate the plane of the vibration of the light. The two enantiomers will rotate the plane polarised light in opposite directions- one clockwise, the other anticlockwise