Isomers (Gr. Isos - Equal, Meros - Part)

Isomers (Gr. Иσος - Equal, Мερος - Part)

Chemical compounds that have the same overall formula but a different structural formula are called isomers. Such compounds may have different physical and chemical properties, despite the fact that they are composed of the same elements and have the same molecular weight. Isomers can be formed as a result of various mechanisms, such as isomerization of molecules during reactions, changes in the arrangement of functional groups in the molecule, and changes in the order of bonds between atoms.

One example of isomerism is between glucose and fructose. Both of these molecules have the molecular formula C6H12O6, but their structural formulas are different. Glucose is an aldose, meaning its molecule contains an aldehyde group (-CHO), while fructose is a ketose, meaning its molecule contains a ketone group (-CO-). These differences in structure mean that glucose and fructose have different properties and can exhibit different reaction behavior.

Another example of isomerism is isotonic (or isosmotic) solutions. Solutions with the same concentrations of solvent and solutes have the same osmotic pressure. Osmotic pressure is determined by the concentration of solutes and is a measure of the ability of a solution to attract water to itself. Isotonic solutions can be composed of different substances, but they will have the same osmotic pressure and, therefore, the same effect on the body's cells.

Isomerism is an important concept in chemistry and has many applications in various fields of science and technology. The study of isomers allows us to better understand the structure and properties of chemical compounds, as well as to develop new materials and drugs.