GEOMETRIC ISOMER Meaning and
Definition
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A geometric isomer refers to a type of stereoisomerism in which molecules have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement of their atoms due to restricted rotation around a double bond or a ring structure.
In geometric isomerism, the atoms are arranged differently around a double bond or in a ring, causing the formation of isomers with distinct physical and chemical properties. This is because in such isomers, the substituents attached to the double bond or the ring can be oriented in different positions.
The key characteristic of geometric isomerism lies in the presence of a cis-trans isomerism. Cis isomers have the substituents located on the same side of the molecule, while trans isomers have them on opposite sides. This spatial arrangement can have significant effects on the behavior and reactivity of the isomers, as the different orientations can result in distinct intermolecular forces and steric interactions.
Geometric isomers are commonly seen in organic compounds containing double bonds, such as alkenes and cycloalkenes. They can have different physical properties, such as melting point, boiling point, and solubility, as well as varying chemical reactivity due to their unique arrangements.
Understanding geometric isomerism is crucial for organic chemists, as it affects the synthesis, properties, and biological activity of molecules. It is often necessary to separate geometric isomers to obtain pure compounds with specific properties or desired biological activity.
Common Misspellings for GEOMETRIC ISOMER
- feometric isomer
- veometric isomer
- beometric isomer
- heometric isomer
- yeometric isomer
- teometric isomer
- gwometric isomer
- gsometric isomer
- gdometric isomer
- grometric isomer
- g4ometric isomer
- g3ometric isomer
- geimetric isomer
- gekmetric isomer
- gelmetric isomer
- gepmetric isomer
- ge0metric isomer
- ge9metric isomer
- geonetric isomer
- geoketric isomer
Etymology of GEOMETRIC ISOMER
The word "geometric isomer" is formed by combining the terms "geometric" and "isomer".
The term "geometric" originates from the Greek word "geōmetrikos", meaning "geometrical". It is derived from the root word "geōmetria", which refers to "measurement of the Earth" in Greek. In mathematics, "geometric" is related to the branch of geometry, which deals with shapes, sizes, and properties of figures and space.
The term "isomer" comes from the Greek word "isomeros", which means "equal in parts". It is formed by combining the prefix "iso-" (meaning "equal") and "meros" (meaning "part"). "Isomer" was originally coined in the field of chemistry to describe substances that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement or spatial orientation of atoms, resulting in different properties.
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