isomery

Isomery is a phenomenon in chemistry where compounds have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas. These different compounds are called isomers. This means that the atoms within the molecules are bonded together in a different arrangement, leading to distinct physical and chemical properties.

There are two main types of isomery: structural isomery and stereoisomery. Structural isomers differ in the connectivity of their atoms. For example, butane and isobutane both have the molecular formula C4H10 but their carbon chains are arranged differently. Stereoisomers, on the other hand, have the same connectivity of atoms but differ in the spatial arrangement of these atoms. This spatial difference can lead to enantiomers (non-superimposable mirror images) or diastereomers (stereoisomers that are not enantiomers).

Isomery is a fundamental concept in organic chemistry and plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior and reactivity of chemical substances. The presence of isomers can affect everything from a drug's efficacy and toxicity to the flavor and scent of a molecule. Identifying and understanding isomers is therefore essential for synthesis, analysis, and application of chemical compounds.