Isomers

Question 1

Define Isomer:

Answer 1

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different atomic arrangements.

Question 2

What are Structural Isomers?

Answer 2

Structural Isomers have the same molecular formula but a different structural formula.

Question 3

What are the three types of Structural Isomer?

Answer 3

Chain Isomers, Positional Isomers and Functional Group Isomers.

Question 4

Define Chain Isomers:

Answer 4

The carbon skeleton is arranged differently. eg. as a straight chain or branched.

Similar chemical properties but different physical properties (such as boiling point) because of a change in molecule shape.

Question 5

Define Positional Isomers:

Answer 5

Skeleton and functional groups are the same but with the functional group attached to a different carbon atom.

Has different physical properties and may have different chemical properties too.

Question 6

Define Functional Group Isomers:

Answer 6

The atoms may be arranged into different functional groups.

Very different physical and chemical properties.

Question 7

What is something to watch out for with Isomers?

Answer 7

Atoms may rotate as much as they like around the C-C bond, so what looks like an Isomer may not be.