What are the different types of isomers?

Structural isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae. They can be :1. Carbon chain isomers that differ in the length of the carbon chain2. Positional isomers that have the same functional group, but in different positions on the carbon skeleton3. Functional group isomers that are members of different homologous series and hence have different functional groups, e.g. methoxymethane and ethanolStereoisomers have the same structural formula, but the atoms in these compounds have differing spatial arrangements. There are two types of stereoisomerism :1. Geometric isomerism is caused by the presence of a functional group that restricts rotation. It is also called cis-/trans- isomerism or E/Z isomerism.2. Optical isomers/ enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other meaning that they exist as right- and left- handed structures. 

Answered by Krupa R. Chemistry tutor

5537 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do buffers work?


How can pressure affect the equilibrium shift of a reversible gaseous reaction?


The equation for the reaction between ammonia and oxygen is shown. 4NH3(g) + 5O2(g) ⇌ 4NO(g) + 6H2O(g) . Calculate the entropy change of the reaction, using data from the table below.


In the topic of transition metals, what are the different types of ligands and what in itself, is a ligand?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences