
Isomers are two or more molecules that share the same molecular formula but differ in their connectivity or arrangement of atoms in space. They can be further divided into two categories: constitutional isomers and stereoisomers. Constitutional isomers have the same molecular formula but different connectivities, while stereoisomers have the same connectivity but differ in the arrangement of their atoms in space. This text will explore the differences in physical properties between constitutional isomers, which have different connectivities but similar chemical properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | Same |
| Connectivity | Different |
| Physical properties | Different |
| Chemical properties | Similar |
| Functional groups | Same or different |
| Structural differences | Exist |
| Spatial differences | Exist |
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What You'll Learn
- Constitutional isomers have the same molecular formula but different connectivities
- Constitutional isomers can have different functional groups
- Constitutional isomers can have the same functional groups but different locations on the carbon skeleton
- Tautomers are structural isomers that can interconvert through tautomerization
- Constitutional isomers have similar chemical properties but different physical properties

Constitutional isomers have the same molecular formula but different connectivities
Isomers are two or more molecules that share the same molecular formula but differ in their physical properties, such as boiling point, melting point, and chemical reactivity. For example, cyclohexane and 1-hexene both have the molecular formula C6H12, but their boiling points differ by 17°C.
Constitutional isomers, also known as structural isomers, are a type of isomer that differs in connectivity. They have the same molecular formula but differ in the way their constituent atoms are connected. For instance, ethanol and dimethyl ether are constitutional isomers of the formula C2H6O. While they share the same molecular formula, their functional groups differ. The atomic connectivity in ethanol is C—C—O, while in dimethyl ether, it is C—O—C.
Compounds that have the same molecular formula but are linked in different ways are called isomers. The structural differences in the way atoms are connected can profoundly affect the physical and chemical properties of isomers. For example, butane and isobutane are constitutional isomers of C4H10. Butane has an uninterrupted chain of carbon atoms, whereas isobutane has only three carbon atoms connected in sequence. Consequently, they have different melting and boiling points. Butane melts at -138.4°C and boils at -0.5°C, while isobutane melts at -159.6°C and boils at -11.7°C.
The easiest way to determine if molecules are constitutional isomers is to count the number of carbons and the degree of unsaturation (Hydrogen Deficiency Index). If the molecules have the same number of atoms and HDI, they are likely constitutional isomers. However, for larger molecules, it is necessary to follow the IUPAC nomenclature rules for accurate identification.
Constitutional isomers can have the same or different functional groups. For example, 1-propanol and 2-propanol have the same molecular formula (C3H8O) but differ in the location of their hydroxyl group on the carbon skeleton. Similarly, ethyl alcohol and dimethyl ether, both with the formula C2H6O, have different functional groups. The former has an atomic connectivity of C—C—O, while the latter forms an ether with C—O—C connectivity.
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Constitutional isomers can have different functional groups
Isomers are two or more molecules that share the same molecular formula but differ in their physical properties, such as boiling point, melting point, and chemical reactivity. For example, cyclohexane and 1-hexene both have the molecular formula C6H12, but their boiling points differ by 17 degrees Celsius.
Constitutional isomers are a type of isomer that differ in their connectivity, or the way in which the constituent atoms are connected to one another. For example, butane and isobutane are both isomers of C4H10, but they have different structural arrangements of carbon atoms. Butane has an uninterrupted chain of carbon atoms, while isobutane has only three carbon atoms connected in sequence, with the fourth carbon atom bonded to the chain as a "branch".
Another example is the isomers 1-propanol and 2-propanol, which have a hydroxyl group on different carbon atoms. Additionally, constitutional isomers can have the same functional groups, but these groups can be located at different points on the carbon skeleton. For instance, isomers A and B may have the same functional group (OH), but it is positioned at different points on the carbon skeleton.
Positional isomers, a type of constitutional isomer, are formed when functional groups are the same but differ in their location within the molecule. This can be observed in ortho, meta, and para isomers.
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Constitutional isomers can have the same functional groups but different locations on the carbon skeleton
Isomers are two or more molecules that share the same molecular formula but differ in their physical properties, such as boiling point, melting point, and chemical reactivity. Constitutional isomers are a type of isomer where the molecules have the same molecular formula but differ in the way the constituent atoms are connected to one another. In other words, constitutional isomers have the same functional groups but different connectivities.
Another example of constitutional isomers with the same functional groups but different locations on the carbon skeleton is the isomers of pentane. The carbon chain in pentane can be rearranged to create three different chain isomers: n-pentane, isopentane, and neopentane. N-pentane has a five-membered carbon chain with no branching, isopentane has a four-membered carbon chain with a branch at the second position, and neopentane has a three-membered carbon chain with two branches at the second position.
The connectivity of atoms is crucial in defining the properties of a molecule, especially in organic chemistry. There are essentially no limits to the ways carbon atoms can be connected differently to synthesize new molecules. This is why a large part of organic chemistry involves learning how to distinguish between molecules with similar structures but different properties. For example, ethanol (drinking alcohol) and dimethyl ether have the same molecular mass but completely different physical and chemical properties.
Constitutional isomers can also have different functional groups as long as the molecular formula remains the same. For instance, ethyl alcohol (C-C-O connectivity) and dimethyl ether (C-O-C connectivity) have different functional groups but are still considered constitutional isomers because they share the same molecular formula (C2H6O).
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Tautomers are structural isomers that can interconvert through tautomerization
In chemistry, tautomers are structural isomers (constitutional isomers) of chemical compounds that can readily interconvert through a chemical reaction called tautomerization. This conversion commonly results from the relocation of a hydrogen or proton atom within the compound, although it is important to note that tautomerization does not affect bond length or similar features. The phenomenon of tautomerization is called tautomerism, also known as desmotropism.
Tautomers are distinct chemical species that can be differentiated by their atomic connectivities, molecular geometries, and physicochemical and spectroscopic properties. They are not to be confused with resonance forms, which are merely alternative Lewis structures (valence bond theory) of a single chemical species. Tautomers, on the other hand, are two distinct chemical species that exist in equilibrium and can be distinguished by their differing properties.
There are several types of tautomerism, including keto-enol tautomerism, which is considered the most important. In this form, one structure is a ketone, and the other is in an enol form. Both tautomeric forms are interconvertible using acid or base catalysts. Another type is ring-chain tautomerism, which occurs when the movement of a proton is accompanied by a change from an open structure to a ring structure. An example of this is the open chain and cyclic hemiacetal forms of many sugars.
Tautomers can have a significant impact on the chemical properties of a compound. For instance, the degradation of serine involves an enamine-to-imine tautomerization step, followed by the hydrolysis of the imine to form pyruvate. Furthermore, tautomers play a crucial role in biological organic chemistry, such as the equilibrium between imines (Schiff bases) and enamines, which are the nitrogen equivalents of enols.
In summary, tautomers are structural isomers that can interconvert through tautomerization, a process that involves the relocation of a hydrogen or proton atom. This interconversion between tautomers results in distinct chemical species with differing properties, and it plays a significant role in various chemical and biological processes.
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Constitutional isomers have similar chemical properties but different physical properties
Isomers are two or more molecules that share the same molecular formula but differ in their internal structure. They can be divided into two broad classes: constitutional isomers and stereoisomers. Constitutional isomers have the same molecular formula but differ in their connectivity, i.e., the way in which the constituent atoms are connected to one another. Stereoisomers, on the other hand, have the same connectivity but differ in the arrangement of their atoms in space.
Constitutional isomers, also known as structural isomers, have similar chemical properties but different physical properties. For example, ethanol (C2H6O) and dimethyl ether (C2H6O) are constitutional isomers with the same molecular formula but different connectivities. Ethanol has a C—C—O atomic connectivity, while dimethyl ether has a C—O—C connectivity. These two isomers have completely different physical and chemical properties despite having the same molecular mass.
Another example of constitutional isomers is butane (C4H10) and isobutane (C4H10). Butane has an uninterrupted chain of carbon atoms, while isobutane has only three carbon atoms connected in sequence. As a result of these structural differences, butane and isobutane have different physical properties. Butane melts at -138.4°C and boils at -0.5°C, while isobutane melts at -159.6°C and boils at -11.7°C.
The concept of constitutional isomers is particularly relevant in organic chemistry, where there are numerous ways to connect carbon atoms differently and synthesize new molecules. This leads to molecules with similar structures but vastly different properties. For instance, cyclohexane (C6H12) and 1-hexene (C6H12) both have the molecular formula C6H12, but they have different physical properties, such as boiling points of 63°C and 80°C, respectively.
In summary, constitutional isomers have the same molecular formula but differ in their atomic connectivity, resulting in similar chemical properties but different physical properties. These differences in physical properties, such as boiling and melting points, are due to the unique structural differences between the isomers.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitutional isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different connectivities, or bonding arrangements.
No, constitutional isomers have different physical properties. For example, butane and isobutane are constitutional isomers with different melting and boiling points.
Yes, constitutional isomers have similar chemical properties.
Some examples of constitutional isomers are butane and isobutane, ethanol and dimethyl ether, and ethyl alcohol and dimethyl ether.

























