How do isomers differ from one another?

Isomers differ in charge.
Isomers differ in molecular formulas.
Isomers differ in the arrangement or bonding of atoms.

1 answer

Isomers differ in the arrangement or bonding of atoms.

To elaborate:

  • Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in their structure or arrangement of atoms.
  • There are several types of isomers, including:
    • Structural isomers, which have different connectivity of atoms (e.g., different chain lengths or functional groups).
    • Stereoisomers, which have the same connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms (e.g., cis-trans isomers or enantiomers).

The first two statements are not accurate:

  • Isomers do not necessarily differ in charge; they may have the same charge.
  • While isomers have the same molecular formula, they differ in structure.

So, the correct distinction is based on the arrangement or bonding of atoms.