ISOMER Meaning and
Definition
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An isomer refers to any of two or more chemical compounds that possess the same molecular formula but a different structural arrangement or spatial orientation. Isomers exhibit distinct physical and chemical properties despite having identical numbers and types of atoms within their composition. The existence of isomers is primarily attributed to differences in bonding patterns or the arrangement of atoms in the molecule.
Isomers can be categorized into two major types: structural isomers and stereoisomers. Structural isomers have dissimilar bonding patterns, meaning that the atoms in the compounds are connected in different ways. This results in distinct chemical properties and reactivities for each isomer. They can further be divided into chain isomers, functional group isomers, and position isomers, among others.
On the other hand, stereoisomers have the same sequence of bonded atoms, but differ in the spatial arrangement of these atoms. This can occur due to the presence of double bonds that restrict rotation or the presence of chiral centers. Stereoisomers can be further classified as geometric isomers (cis-trans isomers) or optical isomers (enantiomers).
Isomers play a significant role in fields such as organic chemistry and biochemistry as they provide different compounds with unique properties and activities. Understanding isomerism is essential in studying the structure-activity relationships of molecules, designing drugs, and predicting their behaviors in chemical reactions.
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One of two or more isomeric substances.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ISOMER
Etymology of ISOMER
The word "isomer" comes from the Greek roots "isos", meaning "equal", and "meros", meaning "part". It was coined in the late 19th century by the German chemist Wilhelm Ostwald to describe a concept in chemistry where two or more compounds have the same molecular formula but differ in their structural arrangement or spatial orientation. The term "isomer" was created to emphasize that these compounds have equal parts in terms of atoms and elements but differ in their arrangement.
Similar spelling words for ISOMER
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