3.6.6
Isomerism
Structural Isomerism
Structural Isomerism
Structural isomers are molecules which have the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space.
,h_400,q_80,w_640.png)
,h_400,q_80,w_640.png)
Chain isomers
Chain isomers
- Chain isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but one is linear and one is branched. For example:
- Butane is a linear molecule with the molecular formula C4H10.
- Methylpropane is a branched molecule with the molecular formula C4H10.
,h_400,q_80,w_640.png)
,h_400,q_80,w_640.png)
Position isomers
Position isomers
- Position isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but have their functional group in different places. For example:
- Butan-1-ol has a hydroxyl group attached to carbon-1.
- Butan-2-ol has a hydroxyl group attached to carbon-2.


Functional group isomers
Functional group isomers
- Functional group isomers are isomers that have had their structures changed so that they have different functional groups. For example:
- Propanoic acid.
- Methyl ethanoate.
Stereoisomerism
Stereoisomerism
Stereoisomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula, same functional groups and same functional group positions but different arrangements of atoms in space.


Alkene stereoisomerism
Alkene stereoisomerism
- Stereoisomerism can be seen in alkenes.
- It is possible in alkenes because of the presence of double bonds:
- Unlike single bonds, double bonds are rigid and you cannot rotate around them.
- So alkenes can display stereoisomerism at the double bond.


An example
An example
- The simplest way to understand what this means is with an example.
- Above are the two different alkenes, (E)-but-2-ene and (Z)-but-2-ene.
- The molecules are the same in every way, except for the atoms' position in space.
- Above are the two different alkenes, (E)-but-2-ene and (Z)-but-2-ene.


What do E and Z mean?
What do E and Z mean?
- E and Z come from the German words 'entgegen' and 'zusammen' for 'opposite' and 'together'.
- An E-alkene has the larger groups on opposite sides.
- A Z-alkene has the larger groups on the same side.
- A good way to remember this is that Z alkenes have large groups on the 'zame zide'.
Cahn-Ingold Prelog Rules
Cahn-Ingold Prelog Rules
The Cahn-Ingold Prelog rules help us assign E/Z isomerism to more complicated molecules.


The Cahn-Ingold Prelog rules
The Cahn-Ingold Prelog rules
- They help to distinguish between E and Z isomers for more complicated cases.
- The rules work by numbering the four directly connecting atoms in order of their atomic mass number. From this, we give them a 'priority'.
- The highest atomic number gets priority 1.
- The second highest atomic number gets priority 2, and so on.


E vs Z
E vs Z
- E:
- Priority 1 and 2 are on different sides of the double bond.
- I.e. The two atoms with the highest atomic mass number are on different sides.
- Priority 1 and 2 are on different sides of the double bond.
- Z:
- Priority 1 and 2 are on the same side of the double bond.
- I.e. The two atoms with the highest atomic mass number are on the same side.
- Priority 1 and 2 are on the same side of the double bond.


An example: E
An example: E
- The shown but-2-ene is an E geometry because the two methyl groups are on opposite sides of the double bond.


An example: Z
An example: Z
- The shown but-2-ene is a Z geometry because the two methyl groups are on the same side of the double bond.
1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter
1.1Introduction to the Particulate Model of Matter
1.2The Nuclear Atom
1.3Electron Configuration
1.4Counting Particles by Mass: The Mole
1.6Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
1.7States of Matter & Changes of State
1.8Reacting Masses &. Volumes
1.9Solutions
2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure
2.1The Ionic Model
2.2The Covalent Model
2.3Covalent Structures
2.4The Metallic Model
2.5From Models to Materials
2.6Valence Electrons & Ionic Compounds
2.7Molecular Shape
3Structure - Classification of Matter
3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements
3.2Periodic Trends
3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals
3.4Halogens
3.5Noble gases, group 18
3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic
3.7Functional Group Chemistry
3.8Alkanes
3.9Alcohols
4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?
4.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
4.2Enthalpy of Reaction, Formation, & Hess' Law
5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?
5.1Kinetics
5.2Rates of Reaction
5.3Stoichometry
5.4Le Châtelier’s Principle
5.5Introduction to Equilibrium
5.6Equilibrium Constant
5.7Reaction Quotient & Equilibrium Constant
6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change
6.1Proton Transfer Reactions
6.2The pH Scale
6.3Strong & Weak Acids and Bases
6.4Acid Deposition
6.5Types of Organic Reactions
6.6Oxidation & Reduction
6.7Electrochemical Cells
6.9Acid-Base Titrations
6.9.1Titration Calculation Weak Acid & Strong Base
6.9.2Titration Experimental Detail
6.9.3Extended Response - Titration
6.9.4Titration Calculations
6.9.5Titration Curves
6.9.6Titration Calculation Strong Acid & Weak Base
6.9.7IB Multiple Choice - Titrations
6.9.8Polyprotic Acids
6.9.9Titration Calculations Strong Acid & Strong Base
6.9.10Titrations Curves 2
7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis
7.1Uncertainties & Errors in Measurements & Results
7.2Graphical Techniques
7.3Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
7.4Infrared Spectroscpy
Jump to other topics
1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter
1.1Introduction to the Particulate Model of Matter
1.2The Nuclear Atom
1.3Electron Configuration
1.4Counting Particles by Mass: The Mole
1.6Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
1.7States of Matter & Changes of State
1.8Reacting Masses &. Volumes
1.9Solutions
2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure
2.1The Ionic Model
2.2The Covalent Model
2.3Covalent Structures
2.4The Metallic Model
2.5From Models to Materials
2.6Valence Electrons & Ionic Compounds
2.7Molecular Shape
3Structure - Classification of Matter
3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements
3.2Periodic Trends
3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals
3.4Halogens
3.5Noble gases, group 18
3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic
3.7Functional Group Chemistry
3.8Alkanes
3.9Alcohols
4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?
4.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
4.2Enthalpy of Reaction, Formation, & Hess' Law
5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?
5.1Kinetics
5.2Rates of Reaction
5.3Stoichometry
5.4Le Châtelier’s Principle
5.5Introduction to Equilibrium
5.6Equilibrium Constant
5.7Reaction Quotient & Equilibrium Constant
6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change
6.1Proton Transfer Reactions
6.2The pH Scale
6.3Strong & Weak Acids and Bases
6.4Acid Deposition
6.5Types of Organic Reactions
6.6Oxidation & Reduction
6.7Electrochemical Cells
6.9Acid-Base Titrations
6.9.1Titration Calculation Weak Acid & Strong Base
6.9.2Titration Experimental Detail
6.9.3Extended Response - Titration
6.9.4Titration Calculations
6.9.5Titration Curves
6.9.6Titration Calculation Strong Acid & Weak Base
6.9.7IB Multiple Choice - Titrations
6.9.8Polyprotic Acids
6.9.9Titration Calculations Strong Acid & Strong Base
6.9.10Titrations Curves 2
7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis
7.1Uncertainties & Errors in Measurements & Results
7.2Graphical Techniques
7.3Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
7.4Infrared Spectroscpy
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