Explain briefly the term structural isomerism?

Question: Explain briefly the term structural isomerism?

Structural isomerism refers to a type of isomerism in which compounds have the same molecular formula but differ in their structural arrangement or connectivity of atoms. In other words, structural isomers have the same number and types of atoms but differ in how the atoms are arranged within the molecule.

Structural isomerism arises due to the ability of atoms to bond in different ways, leading to different spatial arrangements of the atoms. There are several types of structural isomerism, including:

1. Chain Isomerism: In chain isomerism, the isomers have different arrangements of the carbon chain. They may differ in the length of the carbon chain or in the position of functional groups within the chain.

2. Position Isomerism: Position isomers have the same carbon chain but differ in the position of functional groups or substituents on that chain. The functional groups may be attached at different carbon atoms, leading to isomeric compounds.

3. Functional Group Isomerism: Functional group isomers have the same molecular formula but differ in the functional group present in the molecule. For example, an alcohol and an aldehyde with the same number of carbon atoms are functional group isomers.

4. Ring Isomerism: Ring isomers have different arrangements of atoms in a cyclic structure. They can differ in the size of the ring or in the position of functional groups on the ring.

5. Tautomeric Isomerism: Tautomeric isomers exist in equilibrium with each other due to the migration of a hydrogen atom and a double bond. They differ in the placement of the double bond and the position of the hydrogen atom.

Structural isomerism is an important concept in organic chemistry as it leads to the existence of multiple compounds with the same molecular formula but different chemical and physical properties. The presence of structural isomers greatly contributes to the diversity and complexity of organic compounds.

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