Isomerism Flashcards
What is structural formula
How atoms are bonded together
What is molecular formula
No. of each type of atom present
What is isomerism
2 or more molecules - same molecular formula - different arrangement of atoms
What is structural isomerism
Same molecular formula but different structural formulae
What is stereoisomerism
Same molecular and structural formula but different spatial arrangements
What is functional group isomerism
Same molecular formula but different functional groups
Definition of an asymmetric (chiral) centre
Atom which as 4 diff atoms/groups attached
Definition of optical isomer
Molecules which exist as non-superimposable mirror images of each other
They do not posses a plane of symmetry
What do achiral have
Plane of symmetry
Properties of enantiomers
Identical physical properties (mp, bp, solubility)
Identical chemical reactions with achiral reagents
Effect plane polarised light
What is the definition of optically active
Sample which rotates the plane of plane polarised light
How is optical activity measured
Polarimeter
What is a racemic mixture
50:50 mixture of 2 optical isomers
Optically inactive- no net rotation as they cancel each other out
