Question

(a) Define the term isomerism. State two main causes of isomerism.

Answer 1

Compounds having the same molecular formula, but distinct arrangements of atoms are known as isomers and this phenomenon is called isomerism.

Causes of isomerism:
1. Different modes of linking of carbon. For example: Butane $\left(C_4{H}_{10}\right)$ shows different types of linkages and thus it stands for two different types of isomers.
2. Different spacial arrangement of atoms or groups
For example: 1,2-Dichloroethene