Isomerism

A phenomenon where two or more compounds have the same chemical formula but possesses different structural formulas and physical and chemical properties. 

Types of Isomerism

There are two main types of isomerism.

. Structural Isomerism / constitutional Isomerism

. Stereo-isomerism

But there are also many subtypes of these types of Isomerism.

Structural Isomerism

The type of isomerism in which two or more compounds have same molecular Formula but different structural formula is known as structural isomerism.

Example : Pentane ( C5H12 )

Types of structural Isomerism

There are Following types of structural isomerism.

• Chain isomerism
• Positional isomerism
• Functional isomerism
• Metamerism
• Tautomerism
• Ring chain isomerism

Chain isomerism :

The type of structural isomerism in which two or more compounds have the same molecular formula but differ in the branching of carbon atoms is known as chain isomerism

Example : pentane ( C5H12 )

Positional isomerism :

The type of structural isomerism in which two or more compounds differ in the position of the functional group or substituent atoms is known as Positional isomerism.
Example : Butene ( C4H8 )

Functional Isomerism :

Functional isomers are those in which two or more compounds have an identical molecular formula but differ in the functional group present.

Example : C2H6O , C3H6O

Metamerism :

The type of structural isomerism in which two or more compounds have different alkyl chains on either side of the functional group.

Example :

Tutomerism :

The type of structural isomerism in which two or more compounds are interconvertible because of mobility ( movement ) of H-atom , it is known as tautomerism.

Example :

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