Name the type of isomerism to which geometrical and optical isomerism belong to.
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Solution
Stereoisomerism:
Stereoisomers are isomers that have the same structural formula but differ in the relative arrangement of atoms or groups in space within the molecule.
It is further divided into two categories i.e. Geometrical isomerism and Optical isomerism.
Geometrical isomerism is categorized into two i.e. Cis and trans-isomers.
Optical isomerism is classified into two categories i.e. Laevo and Dextro.
Geometrical isomerism:
It refers to isomers that have the same structural formula but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms or groups surrounding the double bond.
Alkenes or their derivatives exhibit this isomerism.
It is the cis-isomer when similar groups are on the same side; it is the trans-isomer when similar groups are on opposite sides.
Only when each doubly bound carbon atom has two distinct groups is geometrical isomerism possible.
Optical isomerism:
Different arrangements of atoms or groups in three-dimensional space produce two isomers that are mirror images of each other in this type of isomerism.
In the molecules of optical isomers, there is an asymmetric (chiral) carbon atom (a carbon atom connected to four distinct atoms or groups).
Optical isomers have similar chemical and physical properties, and their main difference is how they react to plane polarised light.
Laevo (l) is the isomer that rotates plane polarised light to the left, while Dextro(d) is the isomer that rotates plane polarised light to the right.
Therefore, geometrical and optical isomerism belong to stereoisomerism.
