Question

Classify each pair of compounds as constitutional isomers or stereoisomers?

1) Constitutional isomers
2) Stereoisomers

Answer 1

Constitutional isomers have different sequences of bonds while stereoisomers have the same sequence of bonds but differ in the arrangement of atoms in space.

Step-by-step explanation:

Constitutional isomers have a different sequence of bonds that may result in another skeleton, i.e., skeletal isomers, different reactive features, i.e., functional groups isomers, or the same reactive features but placed at different locations, i.e., positional isomers. Stereoisomers, on the other hand, have the same sequence of bonds but differ in the arrangement of atoms in space. This can occur due to the presence of double bonds, rings, or chiral centers in the molecule. For example, two compounds with the same molecular formula, CH3CH2OH and CH3OCH3, are constitutional isomers because they have different sequences of bonds. Two compounds with the same molecular formula, CH3CH2OH and CH3CHOHCH3, are stereoisomers because they have the same sequence of bonds but different arrangements of atoms in space.