structure Flashcards
What is structural isomerism?
Structural isomerism, also known as constitutional isomerism, occurs when functional groups and atoms in isomers’ molecules are linked in various ways, leading to different IUPAC designations.
What distinguishes position isomerism?
Position isomerism is characterized by isomers differing in the locations of functional groups or substituent atoms within the carbon chain. An example is C3H7Cl.
What is chain isomerism?
Chain isomerism, also known as skeletal isomerism, occurs when isomers have different branching architectures, particularly in carbon chains. An example is C5H12.
What is functional isomerism?
Functional isomerism occurs when molecules have the same chemical formula but different functional groups. An example is C3H6O.
Define metamerism in isomerism.
Metamerism is a rare form of isomerism that occurs when different alkyl chains are present on both sides of a functional group, typically involving a divalent element like sulfur or oxygen. An example is C4H10O (e.g., Ethoxyethane and Methoxy-propane).
What is tautomerism?
Tautomerism refers to isomers that differ only in the position of protons and electrons. A common example is keto-enol tautomerism.
What is ring-chain isomerism?
Ring-chain isomerism occurs when one isomer has an open-chain structure while the other has a ring structure, often differing in the number of pi bonds. An example is C3H6 (Propene and Cyclopropane).
What is stereoisomerism?
Stereoisomerism occurs when compounds have the same chemical formula but different three-dimensional orientations of atoms. It includes geometric isomerism (cis-trans) and optical isomerism.
What is geometric isomerism?
Geometric isomerism, also known as cis-trans isomerism, involves different spatial configurations of atoms in three-dimensional space. An example is But-2-ene.
Define optical isomerism.
Optical isomerism occurs when a compound has non-superimposable mirror images due to different spatial arrangements of atoms. These isomers are called enantiomers and differ in how they interact with plane-polarized light.
What is chirality in isomerism?
Chirality refers to the property of a molecule that has non-superimposable mirror images, often involving a stereogenic carbon with four distinct groups attached. An example is Bromochlorofluoroiodomethane (CBrClFI).
How is chirality important in the human body?
Chirality is crucial because many enzymes interact only with specific enantiomers. The D-series is the main configuration for carbohydrates, while the L-series is primary for proteins.
