Isomerism Flashcards
What are isomers?
Molecules that have the same molecular formula but whose atoms are arranged differently.
What are the two basic isomers in organic chemistry?
structural isomers and stereoisomers
What are structural isomers?
They are defined as having the same molecular formula but different structural formulas.
What are the 3 sub-divisions of structural isomers?
positional isomers
functional group isomers
chain isomers
What are positional isomers?
The same functional groups attached to the same chain but at different points.
What are functional group isomers?
functional groups that are different
What are chain isomers?
Different arrangement of the hydrocarbon chain (such as branching)
What is a stereoisomer?
Where two or more compounds have the same structural formula but have different arrangements of the bonds in place.
What are the two different types of stereoisomers?
E-Z isomers
Optical isomers
What are E-Z isomers?
They tell us about the position of the substitutes at either end of the carbon-carbon double bond.
How could you show that the substitutes are on the same side of the carbon-carbon double bond?
By using Z (cis) as a prefix to the name
for example…
How could you show that the substitutes are on opposite sides of the carbon-carbon double bond?
By using E (trans) as a prefix to the name
What does the word zusammen mean?
Togther (Z)
What does the word entgegen mean?
Opposite (E)
What does the word “trans” mean in latin?
Across (E)
