Structural Isomers
Structural isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula, but different arrangements of their atoms. In other words, they have the same number of atoms of each element, but the atoms are bonded in different ways. This results in different structural formulas for each compound.
For example, consider the compounds C3H8O. This molecular formula can represent two different compounds: propanol and methoxyethane. Propanol has the structure CH3CH2CH2OH, while methoxyethane has the structure CH3OCH2CH3. Despite having the same molecular formula, these two compounds have different physical and chemical properties due to their different structures.
Structural isomers are important in organic chemistry because they provide insight into the ways in which atoms can be arranged and bonded to form different compounds. By studying structural isomers, chemists can better understand the relationship between structure and properties in organic molecules.
Overall, structural isomers are compounds that share the same molecular formula but have different structures. This difference in structure leads to differences in physical and chemical properties, making them distinct compounds in their own right.
Two or more compounds that have the same molecular formula, but different arrangements of their atoms, are called what?
Structural isomers, as the structure of the molecule is different.