Isomers and Structural Diversity of Vitamins

Question 1

Define isomers.

Answer 1

Molecule which share their molecular formula but have differing structural, geometric, or spatial characteristics.

Question 2

Describe the 2 main categories of isomers.

Answer 2

1. Structural isomers - differ in the attachment of their component atoms or functional groups
2. Geometric isomers/stereoisomers - differ in the orientation or spatial arrangement of their component atoms or functional groups

Question 3

Describe the 2 main types of structural isomers.

Answer 3

1. Constitutional - have the same kind and number of component atoms but differ in the connectivity of these components
2. Positional/regioisomers - share their parent structure but differ in the position of their substituents/functional groups

Question 4

Define a chiral centre.

Answer 4

Central atom with 4 different substituents which can thus display chirality/handedness based on the differential positioning of its substituent.s

Question 5

Differentiate between the 2 types of chirality.

Answer 5

1.

2.