Structural Isomerism

Edexcel AS-level ChemistryIntroduction to Organic ChemistryLesson 11 of 13

Structural isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but a different structural formula. Their atoms are bonded together in a different order. There are three types.

1. Chain isomers have different arrangements of the carbon chain, for example straight and branched chains.
C₄H₁₀: butane, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃, and 2-methylpropane, CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₃.
C₅H₁₂ has three chain isomers: pentane, 2-methylbutane and 2,2-dimethylpropane.

2. Position isomers have the same carbon chain and the same functional group, but the functional group is on a different carbon.

More in Introduction to Organic Chemistry

• Functional Groups
• Homologous Series
• Naming Organic Compounds
• Practice Question - 1
• Practice Question - 2
• Practice Question - 3
• Stereoisomerism
• Geometric Isomers E-Z Notation

All 13 lessons in Introduction to Organic Chemistry · All Edexcel AS-level Chemistry topics