Isomerism Flashcards
Constitutional isomer
Same molecular formula
Different connectivity
Stereoisomers
Same molecular formula
Same connectivity
This is a broad category that includes configurational and conformational isomers
Configurational isomers
Same molecular formula
Same connectivity
Compounds are NOT interconverted by rotation around single bonds
This is a larger category that includes cis/trans/geometric isomers, and enantiomers + diasteromers
Conformational isomers
Same molecular formula
Same connectivity
Compounds ARE interconverted by rotation around single bonds
Cis-trans (geometric) isomers
Isomerism is due to restricted rotation
Same molecular formula
Same connectivity
Compounds are NOT interconverted by rotation around single bonds
Enantiomers
Compounds are non-superimposable mirror images
Same molecular formula
Same connectivity
Compounds are NOT interconverted by rotation around single bonds
A pair of molecules have the same molecular formula, but different connectivities. What are they?
Constitutional isomers
A pair of molecules are identical, but are oriented in space slightly differently. What are they?
The same compound
A pair of molecules are non-superimposable mirror images. What are they?
Enantiomers
A pair of molecules are isomers, but their isomerism is due to restricted rotation. What are they?
Cis-trans geometric isomers
A pair of molecules have the same molecular formula and the same connectivity, but they aren’t the same compound. What are they (broad term)?
Stereoisomers
They could be configurational or conformational isomers, subcategories. Depends on if their isomerism is due to rotation around single bonds
A pair of molecules’s isomerism is due to rotation around single bonds. What are they?
Conformational isomers
A pair of molecules have the same molecular formula and connectivity, but their isomerism is NOT due to rotation around single bonds. What are they?
Configurational isomers
Subcategories of what they could be include cis/trans isomers, diasteromers, and enantiomers
