What is meant by the term isomer

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ChapterU2: Smells: Molecular Structure And Properties
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What is meant by the term isomer

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The relation between the compounds having the same molecular formula but the different structural formula is explained by isomers. Also, their chemical and physical properties are different.

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The word isomers are made of two parts- 'iso' means same and 'mer' means part. The compounds having the same molecular formula but with different arrangements of atoms. The compounds showing isomerism are termed isomers. Isomers are of two types namely,

  1. Structural isomerism- In this type of isomer, functional groups, and atoms in the molecule are attached in different ways. These are also named constitutional isomers.
  2. Stereoisomerism-In this type of isomer, there is a different orientation of atoms in space. Compounds showing isomers of this type are termed stereoisomers.

 

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