Isomerism Flashcards
Chain Isomerism
Where the carbon chain is arranged differently
Functional Isomerism
Where the functional group attached is arranged differently
Position Isomerism
Where the chain is relatively unchanged, but important components are on different carbons
Geometric isomerism
Where groups are arranged to form cis/trans or E/Z isomers based on priority of the element attached to the carbon
Stereoisomerism
The atoms making up the isomers are joined up in the same order, but still manage to have a different spatial arrangement
Optical Isomerism
A form of stereoisomerism. Nonsuperimposable mirror images.
Simple substances which show optical isomerism exist as two isomers known as enantiomers.
A solution of one enantiomer rotates the plane of polarisation in a clockwise direction. This the (+) form.
For example, one of the optical isomers (enantiomers) of the amino acid alanine is known as (+)alanine.
A solution of the other enantiomer rotates the plane of polarisation in an anti-clockwise direction. This the (-) form.
When optically active substances are made, often occur as a 50/50 mixture of the two enantiomers. This is a racemic mixture or racemate. It has no effect on plane polarised light.
