How Can We Know Isomers Will Be There Of A Carbon Compound?

Isomers are defined as compounds that have similar molecular formulas but different chemical structures. Based on their properties there are different types of isomers. The term isomers originated from the Greek word in which isos means equal and mers means parts. Hence isomers mean equal parts. This term was coined by Jacob Merzilus in 1830 who was a chemist scientist. Isomers are also defined as compounds that have the same number of atoms, that is they have the same empirical formulas but may have the difference in the arrangement of atoms.

There are several isomers possible for every empirical formula. Isomerism is the phenomenon in which the compounds have the same molecular formula but are different in chemical structure. The compounds that exhibit this process of isomerism are known as “isomers”. Isomerism mainly occurs due to the different spatial and structural arrangements of atoms in a compound.

Types Of Isomerism

There are two different types of isomerism. They are:

1) Structural isomerism: This isomerism is also known as “constitutional isomerism”. These are defined as isomerism in which the compounds have the same molecular formula but are different in their structure. These compounds may or may not contain the same functional group. In this type, the atoms and molecules are linked in different ways.

These are further classified into different types as described below.

• Chain isomerism

• Position isomerism

• Functional isomerism

• Tautomerism

• Metamerism

2) Stereoisomerism: It is defined as the phenomenon in which the compounds have the same molecular formula but are different in the orientation or positions of the atoms in space.

These are further classified into two types:

• Geometric isomerism

• Optical isomerism

Steps To Know The Number Of Isomers In A Carbon Compound

Actually there is no direct formula to find the number of atoms in an organic compound. If the molecular formula is given the steps to know the number of isomers are as follows.

• For the structural isomers we need to draw the number of structures as possible without violating the octet rule. After this it is checked whether it will fit in the molecular formula or not.

• Calculate the degree of saturation and ensure that the structure we have drawn should have the same unsaturation number as calculated.

• List out the hetero atoms present in the molecule or compounds. If there are oxygen atoms then we need to list out all the functional groups like ketones, alcohols, esters, carboxylic acid, ethers, etc.