izomerie

Isomerie is a concept in chemistry that describes molecules that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of their atoms. These different arrangements lead to compounds with distinct physical and chemical properties. The term "isomer" comes from the Greek words "isos" meaning equal and "meros" meaning part.

There are two main categories of isomerie: structural isomerie and stereoisomerie. Structural isomers, also known as constitutional isomers, have the same molecular formula but differ in the connectivity of their atoms. This means the atoms are bonded in a different order. For example, butane and isobutane (or 2-methylpropane) are structural isomers, both having the formula C4H10, but their carbon skeletons are arranged differently.

Stereoisomers, on the other hand, have the same molecular formula and the same connectivity of atoms but differ in the spatial arrangement of their atoms. This difference in three-dimensional orientation leads to distinct properties. Stereoisomerie is further divided into enantiomers and diastereomers. Enantiomers are stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, much like left and right hands. Diastereomers are stereoisomers that are not mirror images. Geometric isomerie, a subtype of diastereomerie, occurs in molecules with restricted rotation, such as around a double bond, leading to cis and trans isomers. Understanding isomerie is fundamental to comprehending the diversity and behavior of chemical compounds.