Section: STEM · ChemistryDifficulty: Advanced
Isomer
USUK
Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements.
Also: enantiomer · stereoisomer
Definition
Isomers are molecules that share the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of their atoms, resulting in different structural or spatial configurations and often different chemical and physical properties. Structural isomers differ in connectivity, while stereoisomers have the same connectivity but different spatial orientations. Isomerism is especially important in organic chemistry and pharmacology.
Example
“Glucose and fructose are both C6H12O6 but are structural isomers with different arrangements; fructose tastes sweeter than glucose and is metabolized differently by the body.”
Synonyms
- structural isomer
- stereoisomer
- geometric isomer
- optical isomer
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Related Terms
- Structural Isomer
- Stereoisomer
- Organic Chemistry
- Chirality