Isomerous: meaning, definitions and examples
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isomerous
[ ˌaɪsəˈmɪrəs ]
chemistry
Isomerous refers to compounds that have the same chemical formula but differ in the arrangement or connectivity of their atoms. This means that isomerous compounds exhibit different structural characteristics and can have varied physical and chemical properties despite having the same molecular composition.
Synonyms
configurational, isomeric, structural
Examples of usage
- The two isomerous compounds showed different boiling points.
- Chemists study isomerous forms to understand their reactivity.
- Isomerous structures can impact drug development significantly.
Etymology
The term "isomerous" derives from the word "isomer," which is rooted in the Greek words 'isos', meaning 'equal', and 'meros', meaning 'part' or 'segment'. The concept of isomerism emerged in the early 19th century as scientists began to explore the structural diversity of chemical compounds. Friedrich August Kekulé and Aleksandr Butlerov contributed significantly to this field by elucidating various isomeric forms of organic compounds. The realization that compounds with identical molecular formulas could exhibit distinct chemical behaviors led to a deeper understanding of molecular structure and its implications on reactivity. Over time, the term has evolved and is now commonly used in chemistry to describe the properties and classifications of isomeric compounds, including constitutional, geometric, and stereoisomers. As the study of organic chemistry progressed, the concept of isomerous connections has become essential for fields like medicinal chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry, where the specific arrangement of atoms greatly influences the behavior and function of compounds.