Isomers

Question 1

Isomerism

Answer 1

Isomerism is when molecules have the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms within their space.

Question 2

Structural isomerism

Answer 2

When molecules have the same molecular formula but a different structural formula.

Question 3

What are the three types of structural isomerism?

Answer 3

Positional
Functional Group
Chain

Question 4

Positional isomerism

Answer 4

Same molecular formula, functional group is attached to the main chain at different points.

Question 5

Functional Group isomerism

Answer 5

Same molecular formula, different functional groups.

Question 6

Chain isomerism

Answer 6

Same molecular formula, hydrocarbon chains arranged differently.

Question 7

Stereoisomerism

Answer 7

Have the same molecular and structural formula, but the arrangement of atoms and bonds in their space differs.

Question 8

What are the two types of stereoisomerism?

Answer 8

E-Z isomerism

Optical isomerism

Question 9

E-Z isomerism

Answer 9

Same molecular and structural formula, but the arrangement of the substituents on either side of the carbon-carbon double bond differ.

Question 10

Optical isomerism

Answer 10

Same molecular and structural formula, but the four different substituents attached to one carbon atom (a chiral carbon) are arranged different within the space and are non-superimposable mirror images of one another.