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Isomerism is a phenomenon in chemistry where molecules have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas. This means that they have the same number and types of atoms, but these atoms are arranged differently. Isomerism can be classified into two main types: structural isomerism and stereoisomerism.

Structural isomerism occurs when molecules have the same molecular formula but different connectivity of atoms. This can be further divided into chain isomerism, positional isomerism, and functional group isomerism. Chain isomerism refers to differences in the arrangement of carbon atoms in the molecule, while positional isomerism refers to differences in the location of functional groups. Functional group isomerism occurs when the same functional groups are present but in different positions or arrangements.

Stereoisomerism, on the other hand, occurs when molecules have the same molecular formula and the same connectivity of atoms, but differ in the spatial arrangement of their atoms. This can be further divided into geometric isomerism and optical isomerism. Geometric isomerism occurs when molecules have different spatial arrangements due to the presence of double bonds or rings, while optical isomerism occurs when molecules have non-superimposable mirror images.

Isomerism is an important concept in chemistry as it helps to explain the diversity of chemical compounds and their properties. It also plays a crucial role in the development of new drugs and materials. Understanding isomerism is essential for chemists to predict and explain the behavior of molecules in various chemical reactions.