What is the meaning of the term 'structural isomers'?

A pair of strutural isomers are two molecules which have the same molecular formula; the same number of each atom, but which have these atoms arranged differently, and are therefore distinct molecules. An example of this would be 2-propanol and 1-propanol. Both have the formula C3H8O, but the alcohol -OH group is attached to an end carbon (position 1) in 1-propanol and to the middle carbon (position 2) in 2-propanol. Despite the molecular formula remaining the same, these two strutural isomers will have different physical as well as chemical properties, and are considered completely distinct species.

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

The enthalpy of combustion of ethanol is −1371 kJ mol−1 . The density of ethanol is 0.789 g cm−3 . Calculate the heat energy released in kJ when 1 dm3 of ethanol is burned.


PharmaPlus, a drug developer, is required by law to carry out clinical trials on the novel drug ‘AccuPreasure’. AccuPreasure is to be marketed for control of high blood pressure. Give three questions that clinical trials are designed to answer.


What is the trend in electronegativity of group 7?


Thermodynamics with a focus on entropy


We're here to help

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