HL
Structural Isomers
Same molecular formula, different connectivities.
Types of Structural Isomerism
1. Chain Isomerism
Carbon skeleton arranged differently (branching).
Pentane
vs
2-methylbutane
vs
2-methylbutane
2. Positional Isomerism
Same functional group, different position on chain.
Pentan-1-ol
vs
Pentan-2-ol
vs
Pentan-2-ol
3. Functional Group
Atoms rearranged to form a different compound family.
Ethanol
vs
Methoxymethane
vs
Methoxymethane
Common Functional Group Isomer Pairs
- Alcohols ↔ Ethers (e.g., \(C_2H_6O\))
- Aldehydes ↔ Ketones (e.g., \(C_3H_6O\))
- Carboxylic Acids ↔ Esters (e.g., \(C_2H_4O_2\))
- Alkenes ↔ Cycloalkanes (e.g., \(C_3H_6\))