Photo AI

Last Updated Sep 26, 2025

Isomers Simplified Revision Notes

Revision notes with simplified explanations to understand Isomers quickly and effectively.

user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar

477+ students studying

Isomers

Introduction:

  • Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements, resulting in different chemical properties.

Types of Isomerism:

Structural Isomerism:

  • Also known as constitutional isomerism.
  • Isomers have different connectivity of atoms in their molecules.
  • Examples include chain isomerism, functional group isomerism, and ring-chain isomerism.

Stereoisomerism:

  • Isomers have the same connectivity of atoms but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms or groups.
  • Examples include geometric (cis-trans) isomerism and optical isomerism.

Isomerism in Ketones:

  • Ketones with four or more carbon atoms can display structural isomerism because the carbonyl (C=O) group may appear between different carbon atoms.

Naming Isomers:

  • Isomers are named by adding a prefix to the molecule's name, indicating the specific structural arrangement.
  • For example, "pentan-3-one" and "pentan-2-one" are isomers of ketones with five carbon atoms, where the carbonyl group is located at different positions.

Importance:

  • Isomerism is a fundamental concept in chemistry as it explains the diversity of organic compounds with the same molecular formula.

Isomers

Key Points:

  • Isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements.
  • Ketones with four or more carbon atoms can exhibit isomerism.
  • Isomers are named based on their specific structural differences.

Diagram showing isomer structures

Diagram showing additional isomer examples

Books

Only available for registered users.

Sign up now to view the full note, or log in if you already have an account!

500K+ Students Use These Powerful Tools to Master Isomers

Enhance your understanding with flashcards, quizzes, and exams—designed to help you grasp key concepts, reinforce learning, and master any topic with confidence!

281 flashcards

Flashcards on Isomers

Revise key concepts with interactive flashcards.

Try Chemistry Flashcards

14 quizzes

Quizzes on Isomers

Test your knowledge with fun and engaging quizzes.

Try Chemistry Quizzes

6 questions

Exam questions on Isomers

Boost your confidence with real exam questions.

Try Chemistry Questions

27 exams created

Exam Builder on Isomers

Create custom exams across topics for better practice!

Try Chemistry exam builder

7 papers

Past Papers on Isomers

Practice past papers to reinforce exam experience.

Try Chemistry Past Papers

Other Revision Notes related to Isomers you should explore

Discover More Revision Notes Related to Isomers to Deepen Your Understanding and Improve Your Mastery

96%

114 rated

Chemistry of Cooking

Aldehydes

user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar

236+ studying

186KViews

96%

114 rated

Chemistry of Cooking

Asparagusic Acid vs Allyl isothiocyanate

user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar

253+ studying

199KViews

96%

114 rated

Chemistry of Cooking

Ketones

user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar

392+ studying

195KViews

96%

114 rated

Chemistry of Cooking

Limonene vs Vanillin

user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar

383+ studying

199KViews
Load more notes

Join 500,000+ Scottish Highers students using SimpleStudy...

Join Thousands of Scottish Highers Students Using SimpleStudy to Learn Smarter, Stay Organized, and Boost Their Grades with Confidence!

97% of Students

Report Improved Results

98% of Students

Recommend to friends

500,000+

Students Supported

50 Million+

Questions answered