The discussion centers on the concept of tautomerism, particularly its study using radioactive isotopes or tracers. Tautomerism is a type of isomerism where two or more isomer forms exist in dynamic equilibrium, allowing for interchangeability. The equilibrium can be influenced by changing conditions to favor one isomer over another. Isomerism itself refers to the formation of molecules that share the same chemical formula but differ in structural arrangements, leading to variations in chemical and physical properties. Several types of isomerism are acknowledged, including positional, structural, functional, stereoisomerism, geometric, and optical. Tautomers specifically are characterized by a small activation energy barrier, often involving the transfer of a proton between adjacent atoms.
