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Isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of their atoms. This difference in arrangement can lead to distinct physical and chemical properties. Isomers can be classified into several types, including constitutional isomers, stereoisomers, and tautomers.

Constitutional isomers, also known as structural isomers, have the same molecular formula but differ in the bonding sequence of their atoms. For example, butane (C4H10) and isobutane (C4H10) are constitutional isomers, with butane having a straight-chain structure and isobutane having a branched structure.

Stereoisomers have the same molecular formula and the same bonding sequence but differ in the spatial arrangement of their atoms. Stereoisomers can be further divided into enantiomers and diastereomers. Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, while diastereomers are not mirror images. For instance, the two forms of tartaric acid are enantiomers, while the two forms of 2,3-butanediol are diastereomers.

Tautomers are constitutional isomers that readily interconvert through the movement of atoms within the molecule. For example, keto-enol tautomers are a common type of tautomerism, where a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (OH) shift positions within the molecule. The interconversion of tautomers is often facilitated by the presence of hydrogen bonds.

The study of isomers is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and pharmacology. Understanding the differences between isomers can help in the design and synthesis of new compounds with desired properties, as well as in the understanding of biological processes and drug interactions.