ISOMERS Meaning and
Definition
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Isomers are a group of chemical compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in their structural arrangement or spatial orientation. They are characterized by having the same types and numbers of atoms, but with different connectivity or arrangement within the molecule.
Isomers can be broadly classified into two categories: structural isomers and stereoisomers. Structural isomers have different bonding patterns and can be further classified as chain isomers, functional group isomers, or positional isomers. Chain isomers have variations in the carbon chain length or arrangement, functional group isomers differ in the functional group attached to the carbon skeleton, and positional isomers arise from different locations of functional groups on the carbon chain.
On the other hand, stereoisomers have the same connectivity but differ in the arrangement of atoms in space. This phenomenon is due to the presence of chiral centers or double bonds with restricted rotation. Stereoisomers can be further categorized as geometric isomers (cis-trans isomers) or optical isomers (enantiomers and diastereoisomers). Geometric isomers differ in the arrangement of substituents around a double bond, while enantiomers are mirror images of each other and diastereoisomers exhibit different spatial arrangements but not mirror images.
Isomers have distinct properties, such as different melting and boiling points, reactivity, and biological activity, despite having the same molecular formula. The study of isomers is crucial in understanding the structure and behavior of chemical compounds, as even slight changes in their arrangement can lead to significant differences in characteristics and behavior.
Common Misspellings for ISOMERS
Etymology of ISOMERS
The word "isomers" comes from the Greek prefix "iso-" meaning "equal" or "same", and the root "meros" meaning "part" or "portion". The term was coined in the late 19th century by the German chemist Johann Loschmidt, who used it to describe compounds with the same chemical formula but different structural arrangement or connectivity of atoms.
Similar spelling words for ISOMERS
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