isomerism

Question 1

what is a structural isomer

Answer 1

the same molecular formula but different connections between the atoms

Question 2

what is a stereoisomer

Answer 2

the same molecular formula with the same connections between the atoms but different spatial arrangements

Question 3

what is an ionisation isomer

Answer 3

when a coordinated ligand swaps with a non-coordinated ligand

(only works for charged ligands)

Question 4

what is a solvate isomer

Answer 4

when a coordinated ligand swaps with a solvent molecule - if the molecule is water they are known as hydrate isomers

Question 5

what is a coordination isomer

Answer 5

ligands with 2 different donor atoms can be bonded to the metal through either atom

Question 6

what is a geometric isomer

Answer 6

they have the same formula and same linkages, but different spatial arrangements

Question 7

when do we not use cis and trans to describe isomers - and what are they called instead

Answer 7

when we have multi dentate ligands in an octahedral molecule - they are called facial and meridional (fac and mer)

Question 8

what is a fac isomer

Answer 8

occupies the face of a molecule

Question 9

what is an optical isomer

Answer 9

they have non-superimposable mirror images - if a plane of symmetry exists then optical isomerism is not possible

Question 10

what is a M(AA)3 system called when A is a symmetrical bidentate ligand ?

Answer 10

propeller chirality as a clockwise twist will not look like a anticlockwise twist

Question 11

what are the names of the 2 directions of propeller chirality

Answer 11

delta and lamda
triangle and open bottom triangle