organic chemistry - stereochemistry

Question 1

what is an isomer?

Answer 1

two different molecules with the same number and type of atoms

Question 2

what are structural isomers?

Answer 2

different bonding patterns

Question 3

what are functional isomers?

Answer 3

structural isomers with the same molecular formula but different functional groups or moieties e.g. butan-1-ol and ethoxyethane (diethyl ether)

Question 4

what are regional isomers?

Answer 4

structural isomers where the functional group changes position on the parent structure e.g. pentan-1-ol, pentan-2-ol etc.

Question 5

what is a geometric isomer?

Answer 5

occurs when carbons in a ring are not able to rotate freely- substituents on the same side (Z isomers) or opposing sides (E isomers)

Question 6

what is a stereoisomer?

Answer 6

different compounds with the same structure, differing only in the spatial organisation of the atoms

Question 7

what is meant by chirality?

Answer 7

when a central carbon is bonded to four different groups - has no symmetry

Question 8

what is a stereocentre?

Answer 8

an atom