What is the difference between stereoisomerism and optical isomerism?

Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different arrangement of atoms in space (or structural formula). Stereoisomers (E/Z isomers) have different arangements of bonds in space. This occurs in alkenes,where the carbon atoms forming the double bond are attached to two different groups. - Here I would draw the 2 different type of stereoisomer, E and Z to show their difference Optical isomers are those in which there are 4 different groups attached to a carbon atom, resulting in the formation of 2 isomers that are mirror images of one another, but not identical. - again would draw 

LI
Answered by Lara I. Chemistry tutor

15068 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the difference in base strength between ammonia, primary aliphatic and primary aromatic amines.


Flask Q (volume = 1.00 x 103 cm3 ) is filled with ammonia (NH3) at 102 kPa and 300 K. Calculate the mass of ammonia in flask Q. (Gas constant R = 8.31 J K−1 mol−1 )


At 25 °C, the initial rate of reaction is 3.1 × 10−3 mol dm−3 s−1 when the initial concentration of C is 0.48 mol dm−3 and the initial concentration of D is 0.23 mol dm−3 . Calculate a value for the rate constant at this T when rate = k [C][D].


Explain, in general, how a catalyst works


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning