Structural isomerism.html



Structural isomerism, or constitutional isomerism, is a form of isomerism in which molecules with the same molecular formula have atoms bonded together in different orders, as opposed to stereoisomerism.

Three categories of constitutional isomers are skeletal, positional, and functional isomers.

Skeletal isomerism

Example of skeletal isomerism
n-pentane	Isopentane

In skeletal isomerism, or chain isomerism, components of the (usually carbon) skeleton are distinctly re-ordered to create different structures. For example 3-methylpentane is a chain isomer of 2-methylpentane. Pentane exists as three isomers: n-pentane, isopentane and neopentane. The number of skeletal isomers of an n-carbon alkane is documented at A000602.

Position isomerism

Example of positional isomerism

In position isomerism a functional group changes position on the chain. In the diagram, pentan-2-ol has become pentan-3-ol. Many aromatic isomers exist because substituents can be positioned on different parts of the benzene ring. Only one isomer of phenol or hydroxybenzene exists but cresol or methylphenol has three isomers where the additional methyl group can be placed on three different positions on the ring. Xylenol has one hydroxyl group and two methyl groups and a total of 6 isomers exist.

Functional group isomerism

Example of functional group isomerism

In functional group isomerism a functional group splits up and becomes a different group. Here is an example of functional group isomerism: take cyclohexane, C₆H₁₂ and hex-1-ene, also C₆H₁₂. These two are considered functional group isomers because cyclohexane is an alkane and hex-1-ene is an alkene. Both must have the same molecular formula.

Metamerism

This type of isomerism is due to the unequal distribution of carbon atoms on either side of functional group. Metamerism belongs to same [homologous series].

 Example:
DIETHYL ETHER                CH3-CH2-O-CH2-CH3 
METHYL PROPYLETHER               CH3-O-C3H7   

See also

• Isomer
• Cis-trans isomerism
• Chirality (chemistry)

References

• Clark, Jim. "Structural isomerism" in Chemguide, n.l., 2000, December 7Web article