Difference between revisions of "Isomer"
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| − | Two | + | Two [[molecule]]s are '''isomers''' of each other if they have the same [[chemical formula]] but a different [[atom]]ic configuration. |
| − | + | For example, [[propanol]] (CH<sub>3</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>OH) has two isomers: ''n-propanol'' and ''iso-propanol''. '''n-propanol''' is a straight chain (CH<sub>3</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>OH), with its three carbons and its [[hydroxyl]] group in a line. ''Iso-propanol'', on the other hand, is branched, with two of the [[carbon]]s and the hydroxyl group all bonded to one carbon ((CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>CHOH). Both of these configurations have 3 carbons, 8 [[hydrogen]]s, and 1 oxygen, but since they are isomers they behave differently in chemical reactions. | |
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[[Category:Chemistry]] | [[Category:Chemistry]] | ||
Revision as of 21:56, September 20, 2007
Two molecules are isomers of each other if they have the same chemical formula but a different atomic configuration.
For example, propanol (CH3CH2CH2OH) has two isomers: n-propanol and iso-propanol. n-propanol is a straight chain (CH3CH2CH2OH), with its three carbons and its hydroxyl group in a line. Iso-propanol, on the other hand, is branched, with two of the carbons and the hydroxyl group all bonded to one carbon ((CH3)2CHOH). Both of these configurations have 3 carbons, 8 hydrogens, and 1 oxygen, but since they are isomers they behave differently in chemical reactions.