Isomerism: Importance and Significance
- Significance: Isomerism holds special importance in organic chemistry. It is essential in all subsequent chapters like hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, etc.
- Questions related to isomerism are asked in all chapters.
Definition of Isomerism
- Isomerism: Compounds with the same molecular formula but differences in structure or properties.
Types of Isomerism
- Structural Isomers:
- Chain Isomers: Difference in the length of the main chain.
- Position Isomers: Difference in the position of groups or double bonds.
- Functional Isomers: Different functional groups.
- Metamers: Different connectivity around a bivalent atom.
- Ring-Chain Isomers: Difference between chain and ring structures.
- Stereo Isomers:
- Geometric Isomers: Restriction of rotation around C=C double bonds, cycloalkane, and N-nitrogen bonds.
- Optical Isomers: Difference in interaction with light.
Geometric Isomerism
- Geometric Isomers:
- Compounds with restricted rotation.
- Show in C/C double bonds and cyclic structures.
- Cis-Trans: Similar groups in same or opposite directions.
Conformational Isomers
- Conformational Isomers: Formed by rotation around a single bond.
- Staggered and Eclipsed: Difference in spatial arrangement.
Optical Isomerism
- Optical Isomers:
- Optically active compounds that rotate plane-polarized light.
- Chiral Center: An sp3 hybridized carbon with four different groups.
Procedure and Study Techniques
- Plane of Symmetry and Center of Symmetry: If a compound has symmetry, optical isomerism does not occur.
- Chiral Compound: Compounds without symmetry are optically active.
- Teaching Platform: Detailed courses and test series available on Unacademy.
- Support and Practice: Live classes, doubt-solving sessions, and personalized guidance.
Note: Detailed study of isomerism is important as per the syllabus.