Structural Isomerism
AQA A-Level Chemistry
3.3.1
A molecular formula does not always describe a single compound, as the same atoms can be connected together in different ways. Building on our understanding of chemical formulae, homologous series and nomenclature, we can now explore structural isomerism and the different ways compounds can have the same molecular formula but different structures. This provides the foundation for stereoisomerism, where compounds have the same connectivity but differ in the arrangement of their atoms in space.
In this topic you will:
- Know and understand the meaning of the terms isomer and structural isomer.
- Be able to identify chain, position and functional group isomers.
- Be able to draw the structures of chain, position and functional group isomers.
- Understand how bond free rotation affects displayed formulae without creating structural isomers.
Learn, Revise, Practise
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