Isomerism

Question 1

What is structural formula

Answer 1

How atoms are bonded together

Question 2

What is molecular formula

Answer 2

No. of each type of atom present

Question 3

What is isomerism

Answer 3

2 or more molecules - same molecular formula - different arrangement of atoms

Question 4

What is structural isomerism

Answer 4

Same molecular formula but different structural formulae

Question 5

What is stereoisomerism

Answer 5

Same molecular and structural formula but different spatial arrangements

Question 6

What is functional group isomerism

Answer 6

Same molecular formula but different functional groups

Question 7

Definition of an asymmetric (chiral) centre

Answer 7

Atom which as 4 diff atoms/groups attached

Question 8

Definition of optical isomer

Answer 8

Molecules which exist as non-superimposable mirror images of each other
They do not posses a plane of symmetry

Question 9

What do achiral have

Answer 9

Plane of symmetry

Question 10

Properties of enantiomers

Answer 10

Identical physical properties (mp, bp, solubility)
Identical chemical reactions with achiral reagents
Effect plane polarised light

Question 11

What is the definition of optically active

Answer 11

Sample which rotates the plane of plane polarised light

Question 12

How is optical activity measured

Answer 12

Polarimeter

Question 13

What is a racemic mixture

Answer 13

50:50 mixture of 2 optical isomers

Optically inactive- no net rotation as they cancel each other out