Question

How is stereoisomerism different from constitutional isomerism?

a. stereoisomers have the same compound with the same chemical name differing only in the direction certain bonds are pointing into space relative to the rest of the molecule
b. stereoisomers have the same molecular formula, whereas constitutional isomers have different molecular formulas
c. stereoisomers have different molecular formulas, whereas constitutional isomers have the same molecular formula
d. constitutional isomers have the same compound with the same chemical name differing only in the direction certain bonds are pointing into space relative to the rest of the molecule

Answer 1

Stereoisomers have the same bonded sequence but differ in spatial orientation, while constitutional isomers have the same molecular formula but differing bonding sequences and structures.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stereoisomerism and constitutional isomerism represent two different types of isomerism found in organic molecules.

Stereoisomers are compounds that have the same sequence of bonded atoms (molecular formula) but differ in the three-dimensional orientations of these atoms in space.

In contrast, constitutional isomers, also known as structural isomers, have the same molecular formula as well but differ in the sequence of bonds between the atoms, leading to different bonding patterns and structures.

To clarify by example, butane (C4H10) can exist as two different constitutional isomers: a straight-chain butane and a branched-chain isobutane.

These two forms have different physical and chemical properties because of the different connectivity of their atoms.

However, for a stereoisomer such as in the case of geometric isomers, the connectivity remains the same but the spatial arrangement around, say, a double bond differs, as in cis and trans isomers.