Isomers - Chemistry

Isomers

molecules with the same molecular formula, but represent different compounds

Constitutional/structural isomer

molecules with the same molecular formula, but have different connectivity (best way to check is by naming!)

Stereoisomers

molecules with the same molecular formula and same connectivity, but differ in spatial arrangement in a 3-dimensional space (left/right, up/down, same side/opposite side)

What are the three classes of steroisomers?

geometric diastereomers, enantiomers, and non-geometric diastereomers

Geometric diastereomers

isomers with identical groups that differ across a rigid plane

Enantiomers

isomers that are nonsuperimposable mirror images (“handed isomers”)

Non-geometric Diastereomers

isomers that nonsuperimposable molecules but are NOT MIRROR IMAGES

Superimposable

molecules that have the same molecular formula, AND can match/stack on top of its mirror image (achiral)

Nonsuperimposable

molecules that have the same molecular formula, but cannot match/stack on top of its mirror image (chiral)