Isomerism

Question 1

Define isomers

Answer 1

Isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula, but a different arrangement of atoms in space

Question 2

What are the different types of isomers?

Answer 2

Chain isomerism
Positional isomerism
Functional isomerism
Geometric isomerism

Question 3

What are chain isomers?

Answer 3

• where the length of the chain has changed

Question 4

What are positional isomers?

Answer 4

• where the basic carbon skeleton remains unchanged, but important groups are moved around on that skeleton

Question 5

What are functional isomers?

Answer 5

• isomers that contain different functional groups - the functional group changed e.g. cyclic molecules

Question 6

What are geometric isomers?

Answer 6

• isomers in which double bonds restrict rotation (e.g. E and Z isomers)