Question

Define each of the following and give examples.

a) Isomers

b) Structural isomers

c) Stereoisomers

d) Co-Ordination isomers

e) Linkage isomers

f) Optical isomers

Short answer

The definitions and examples are explained below in steps

Step-by-step solution

a) Isomers

Chemical compounds that have identical chemical formulae but differ in properties and the arrangement of atoms in the molecule are called isomers.

Chemical formula${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_6\mathrm{O}$.

The compound can be written as ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{OH}\mathrm{and}{\mathrm{CH}}_3-\mathrm{O}-{\mathrm{CH}}_3$.

b) Structural isomer

Structural isomersare molecules with the same molecular formula, but their atoms have different arrangements or bonds.

Example: Butane and isobutene.

c) Stereoisomers

Stereoisomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula and differ only in how their atoms are arranged in three-dimensional space.

Example: Cis and trans dichloroethylene.

d) Co-ordination isomers

Coordination isomerism occurs in compounds containing complex anionic and cationic parts that can be thought of as occurring by the interchange of some ligands from the cationic part to the anionic part.

Step 5: e) Linkage isomers

Coordination compounds having the same compositions but different bond connectivity of the ligand to the central metal is known as linkage isomers.

f) Optical isomer

Optical isomerism is a type of stereoisomerism that can rotate the plane of polarized light.