Question

Identify the term isomerism. State two causes of isomerism

Answer 1

Definition of Isomerism

• Isomers are molecules or compounds that have the same molecular formula but have a different arrangement of atoms in space, and the phenomenon is called isomerism.
• They differ in physical and chemical properties.
• There are different types of isomerism shown by molecules the two main classifications are structural isomer and stereo isomer.

The two causes of isomerism

• Difference in the mode of linking of atoms.
• Difference in the spatial arrangement of atoms/groups.

For example,

• Structural isomerism ${\mathrm{H}}_3\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{CH}\mathrm{F}-{\mathrm{CH}}_3\&{\mathrm{H}}_3\mathrm{C}-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{F}$
• Stereoisomerism