Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry

Isomerism

The compounds have the same molecular formula but differ from each other in physical or chemical properties are called Isomers and the phenomenon is called Isomerism.

Structural isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas.

Chain Isomerism have the same molecular formula but differ in the order in which the carbon atoms are bonded to each other. Eg n-Butane and Isobutane

Position Isomerism have the same molecular formula but differ in the position of a functional group on the carbon chain. Eg. n-propyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol

Functional Isomerism have the same molecular formula but different functional groups. Eg. Ethyl alcohol and Dimethyl ether

Metamerism have the same molecular formula but unequal distribution of carbon atoms on either side of the functional group. Eg. Deethyl ether and Methy propyl ether