Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 19: Problem 17

Explain why isomers have different chemical and physical properties.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Isomers are molecules that share the same molecular formula but have a different structural or spatial arrangement of atoms. This variation in arrangement leads to differences in bonding, polarity, and molecular shape, which cause differences in physical properties like boiling point, melting point and solubility. Moreover, the site of reactivity in isomers may differ due to the change in the position of functional groups, leading to distinct chemical properties or reactions. Hence, despite having the same molecular formula, isomers exhibit different physical and chemical properties.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Isomers

Isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula, meaning they contain the same number and type of atoms, but have different arrangements of these atoms in space. This concept is a fundamental principle in the study of organic chemistry.
02

Structural Differences in Isomers

While isomers share the same number and type of atoms, their structure or the way these atoms are arranged in space can drastically vary. These structural differences give rise to different types of isomers like structural (constitutional) isomers, stereoisomers which further includes geometric (cis-trans) isomers and optical isomers.
03

Effect on Physical Properties

Physical properties such as boiling point, melting point, solubility, etc. are dependent on the intermolecular forces of attraction, which in turn are influenced by the shape and size of the molecule. Due to different structural arrangement, isomers will have different shapes, size and polarity. For instance, a more elongated isomer may have larger surface area and hence greater London dispersion forces than a more compact one, and hence a higher boiling point.
04

Effect on Chemical Properties

Chemical properties are dependent on the reactivity of molecules, which is related to the arrangement of atoms and functionalities within the molecule. Isomers have different structural arrangements, leading to different sites of reactivity and hence different chemical behaviours. For example, an isomer having a hydroxyl group (alcohol) attached to a terminal carbon atom will react differently from an isomer with the hydroxyl group attached to a middle carbon in the chain.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Environmental concerns have led to the development of plastics that are labeled "biodegradable." Devise a set of experiments to study how well biodegradable. plastics break down. If your teacher approves your plan, carry out your experiments on various consumer products labeled "biodegradable.".

Why are catalysts added to substitution reactions involving alkanes?

Based on your answers to the previous item, complete the following statement: For saturated hydrocarbons, as the number of carbon atoms in the molecule increases, the percentage of carbon in the molecule will _____.

What group of organic compounds forms the basis for naming the other organic compounds?

Two compounds may have the same molecular formulas but different structural formulas. Each of these compounds is known as a(n) ______.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free