What are isomers?

Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in their structural arrangement of atoms. This means that while the number and type of each atom in the molecule remain constant, the way these atoms are bonded or arranged can lead to vastly different properties and behaviors in chemical reactions.

For example, consider butane and isobutane; both have the molecular formula C4H10, but their structural differences result in distinct physical and chemical properties. This concept is important in chemistry because different isomers can have different functional properties, making them behave differently in biological systems and industrial applications.

Recognizing that isomers can exist in various forms, such as structural isomers and stereoisomers (including cis-trans isomers), showcases the diversity of compounds that can arise from a single molecular formula. Understanding isomers is crucial for grasping more complex topics in chemistry and biology, such as enzyme specificity, drug design, and metabolic pathways.