- #1
lord12
- 9
- 0
What is the difference between structural isomerism and geometric isomerism??
Yea. The thread title explains it.
Yea. The thread title explains it.
What is the difference between structural isomerism and geometric isomerism?
- Thread starter lord12
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the differences between structural isomerism and geometric isomerism, primarily in the context of organic chemistry. Participants explore definitions, examples, and related concepts such as optical isomerism.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants define structural isomerism as having the same empirical formula but different structural arrangements, particularly in organic compounds.
- Others explain geometric isomerism as arising from cis and trans arrangements of atoms.
- A participant provides an example involving four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms, illustrating structural isomers such as butane and 2-methylpropane.
- There is a mention of optical isomerism, with a participant suggesting that it is related but distinct from geometric isomerism.
- Another participant acknowledges a correction regarding the distinction between geometric and optical isomerism, indicating some confusion in the discussion.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the definitions and examples of isomerism, particularly regarding the relationship between geometric and optical isomerism. The discussion remains unresolved with respect to the nuances of these concepts.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the precise definitions of isomerism types and the implications of structural differences. Some assumptions about the familiarity with organic chemistry concepts may not be explicitly stated.
- #2
FunkyDwarf
- 481
- 0
the answer, as well as the question, is in the title as well :) structural isomerisim is the same emperical formula but constructed differently. This is most apparent, obviously, in organic chemistry. So say you have 3 carbons and 6 hydrogens, you can arrange that in quite a few ways to make very different molecules but with the same emperical (not molecular) formula.
geometric isomerisim is where you have different isomers due to differences arrising from cis and trans arrangements of atoms.
geometric isomerisim is where you have different isomers due to differences arrising from cis and trans arrangements of atoms.
- #3
The Bob
- 1,127
- 0
Taking this a little further, 4 carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms could be arranged to form simple Butane but it could also be 2-methylpropane. The two are structural isomers.FunkyDwarf said:
A geometric isomer could be one with a chiral carbon (correct me if I am wrong). The two are completely the same except, by rotation alone, they can never match up.
The Bob (2004 ©)
- #4
FunkyDwarf
- 481
- 0
yeh that's optical isomerisim though which is a little different
- #5
The Bob
- 1,127
- 0
Oh no... of course you're right. How stupid of me. So sorry!FunkyDwarf said:
Cheers for the correction,
The Bob (2004 ©)
- #6
courtrigrad
- 1,236
- 2
They differ in how they rotate polarized light (i.e. [tex]C_{2}H_{6}0[/tex]
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