What is meant by the term isomer

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

What is meant by the term isomer

Expert Solution
Step 10

The relation between the compounds having the same molecular formula but the different structural formula is explained by isomers. Also, their chemical and physical properties are different.

Step 2

The word isomers are made of two parts- 'iso' means same and 'mer' means part. The compounds having the same molecular formula but with different arrangements of atoms. The compounds showing isomerism are termed isomers. Isomers are of two types namely,

  1. Structural isomerism- In this type of isomer, functional groups, and atoms in the molecule are attached in different ways. These are also named constitutional isomers.
  2. Stereoisomerism-In this type of isomer, there is a different orientation of atoms in space. Compounds showing isomers of this type are termed stereoisomers.

 

steps

Step by step

Solved in 4 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY