103 Chapter Notes -Stereoisomerism, Structural Isomer, Chemical Formula
Document Summary
Isomerism isomers are molecules or polyatomic ions with identical molecular formulae that is, same number of atoms of each element but distinct arrangements of atoms in space. Isomers do not necessarily share similar chemical or physical properties. Two main forms of isomerism are structural or constitutional isomerism, in which bonds between the atoms differ; and stereoisomerism or spatial isomerism, in which the bonds are the same but the relative positions of the atoms differ. Two chemicals might be the same constitutional isomer, but upon deeper analysis be stereoisomers of each other. Two molecules that are the same stereoisomer as each other might be in different conformational forms or be different isotopologues. The depth of analysis depends on the field of study or the chemical and physical properties of interest. The word isomerism came from greek word isomers (isos = equal, meros = a share).
