Isomers Flashcards
Isomer Definition
compound of same molecular formula, but different molecular structures
Structural/Constitutional Isomers
only thing they share is molecular formula/weights
least similar of all isomers as they have different chemical and physical properties
Same Connectivity? Yes/No
Yes -> Stereoisomer
No -> Structural Isomer
Require Bond Breaking to interconvert? Yes/No
Yes: Configurational
No: Conformational
Nonsuperimpossible mirror images? Yes/No
Yes: Enantiomer
No: Diasteriomer
Physical Properties
characteristics that don’t change composition of matter
melting, boiling points, solubility, odor, color, density
Chemical Properties
reactivity of molecule with other molecules resulting in changes in chemical composition
Stereoisomers
share same molecular formula/weights, but also share same connectivity/molecular backbone
Conformational Isomer vs Configurational Isomer
ConFOR: differ in roation around single sigma bonds
ConFI: can be interconverted only by breaking bonds
Of all isomers ___ are the most similar
Conformational Isomers
Conformational Isomer
they are same molecule but different points in their natural rotation around a single bond
Staggered Conformation
lowest energy state, no steric repulsion
Anti Conformation
for staggered where two largest groups are antiperiplanar (same plane, opposite sides)
Gauche Conformation
staggered conformation where the two largest groups are 60 degrees apart
Eclipsed Conformation
staggered with 120 degrees
Totally Eclipsed Conformation
staggered with 0 degrees, highest energy form, least favorable as largest groups are synperiplanar (next to each other on same plane)
The higher the energy of the conformation the…
less time it will stay int he conformation
Conformational transitions at Room/Low Temp
Room: easily overturned
Low: interconversion occurs slowly due to lack of energy
Ring Strain
Cycloalkanes due to 3 reasons:
angle strain, torsional strain and steric strain
Angle Strain
bond angles deviate from what they should be
Torsional Strain
cyclic molecules take gauche or eclipsed interactions
Steric/van Der Waals Strain/Repulsion
nonadjacent atoms/groups compete for space
common in flagpole interactions for steric strain
Cyclohexane Conformations
Boat, twist and chair
Chair Conformation
most stable, lowers all 3 strains for cyclohexane
Axial
atoms/hydrogens standing perpendicular to plane of ring (up and down)
Equatorial
atoms/hydrogens sticking out parrallel (outwards) from thr ring