A2 AQA CHEM4 3.4.4

3.4.4 Nomenclature and Isomerism in Organic Chemistry

Isomerism

·         Structural isomerism: compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures

·         Stereoisomerism: same molecular formula and structural formula but different arrangement of atoms in space

o   E/Z isomerism

o   Optical isomerism

E/Z isomerism

·         There is restricted bond rotation around the C=C bond

·         The carbons must have 2 different groups attached to them each

o   Use highest priority group to name the isomer (E) or (Z)

Optical isomerism

·         Also known as enantiomers which are non-superimposable mirror images of each other

·         Optical isomerism occurs in compounds with an asymmetric carbon (4 different groups attached to it) and so it can act as a chiral centre 

·         Enantiomers…