BRAINCAKEStereoisomerism
Stereoisomers have the same structural formula (the atoms are bonded in the same order) but a different arrangement of the atoms in space.
At AS level the type met is geometric isomerism, which occurs in some alkenes.
A C=C double bond is made of a σ bond and a π bond. The π bond is formed by sideways overlap of p orbitals above and below the plane of the molecule. Rotating one carbon relative to the other would break this overlap, so there is restricted rotation about the C=C bond. Groups attached to the double bond are fixed on one side or the other.
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Key terms in this lesson
- sigma bond
- A covalent bond formed by the direct, end-on overlap of orbitals, with electron density directly between the two nuclei.
- pi bond
- A covalent bond formed by the sideways overlap of p orbitals, with electron density above and below the plane of the molecule.
More in Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Functional Groups
- Homologous Series
- Naming Organic Compounds
- Practice Question - 1
- Practice Question - 2
- Practice Question - 3
- Structural Isomerism
- Geometric Isomers E-Z Notation
All 13 lessons in Introduction to Organic Chemistry · All Edexcel AS-level Chemistry topics