metisomeric

Metisomerism is a type of tautomerism that occurs in organic chemistry, specifically in compounds containing a carbonyl group (C=O) and an adjacent hydrogen atom. This phenomenon involves the migration of a hydrogen atom from one atom to another within the molecule, resulting in the formation of different tautomers. The term "metisomerism" is derived from the Greek words "meta" meaning "change" and "isomer" referring to different structural forms of the same compound.

Metisomeric tautomers are characterized by the presence of a hydrogen bond between the carbonyl oxygen and the adjacent hydrogen atom. This hydrogen bond stabilizes one tautomer over the other, making the equilibrium between the tautomers favor one form. The stability of the tautomers depends on various factors, including the electronic properties of the substituents on the carbonyl group and the solvent environment.

Metisomerism is an important concept in organic chemistry as it affects the reactivity and properties of organic compounds. For example, the presence of metisomeric tautomers can influence the acidity and basicity of the compound, as well as its ability to participate in chemical reactions. Understanding metisomerism is crucial for predicting the behavior of organic compounds and designing new molecules with desired properties.