Isomer: meaning, definitions and examples
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isomer
[ ˈaɪ.sə.mər ]
chemistry
An isomer is one of two or more compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas, resulting in different chemical and physical properties.
Synonyms
geometric isomer, stereoisomer, structural isomer
Examples of usage
- The two isomers of butane have different boiling points.
- Isomers can have different reactivities due to their different structures.
- Structural isomers have the same atoms but arranged in different orders.
biology
In biology, isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms, leading to different biological activities.
Synonyms
diastereomer, enantiomer, optical isomer
Examples of usage
- The cis and trans isomers of a molecule can have different effects in the body.
- Optical isomers are mirror images of each other but can have different biological functions.
Translations
Translations of the word "isomer" in other languages:
🇵🇹 isómero
🇮🇳 समावयव
🇩🇪 Isomer
🇮🇩 isomer
🇺🇦 ізомер
🇵🇱 izomer
🇯🇵 異性体 (いせいたい)
🇫🇷 isomère
🇪🇸 isómero
🇹🇷 izomer
🇰🇷 이성체 (異性體)
🇸🇦 متصاوغ
🇨🇿 izomer
🇸🇰 izomér
🇨🇳 异构体 (yìgòutǐ)
🇸🇮 izomer
🇮🇸 ísómer
🇰🇿 изомер
🇬🇪 იზომერი
🇦🇿 izomer
🇲🇽 isómero
Word origin
The term 'isomer' was coined by Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1830. It is derived from the Greek roots 'isos' (equal) and 'meros' (part), reflecting the equal parts of isomers having the same atomic composition. The concept of isomerism has been fundamental in the fields of chemistry and biology, leading to a deeper understanding of molecular structures and their properties.
See also: stereoisomer.