Why should the properties of structural isomers differ?

Question

Why should the properties of structural isomers differ?

Answer 1

Check out

www.texarkanacollege.edu/~mstorey/1406/notes/lecture02.htm

only including a portion of the info


2: Small Molecules: Structure and Behavior
Introduction

·Living things are composed of the same chemical elements as the nonliving world and obey the same physical and chemical laws.

·This chapter provides essential information on the characteristics and properties of atoms and molecules, which will be useful in the study of biology—the study of life.

Atoms: The Constituents of Matter

·All matter is composed of atoms.

·Atoms vary in size, but all are amazingly small.

·Each atom consists of at least one proton and one electron (as does a hydrogen atom, the simplest atom).

·The proton is found in the center of the electron's orbit, in a region called the nucleus.

·The nucleus possesses a positive electrical charge relative to the electron, which is negatively charged.
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Isomerism in Transition Metal Complexes:
Structural Isomers and Stereoisomers

chemiris.labs.brocku.ca/~chemweb/courses/chem232/CHEM2P32_Lecture_6.html

Isomers: Compounds with the same formula but different properties that result from different structures. There are two broad classes of isomers: structural isomers and stereoisomers.

Structural isomers have the same molecular formula but different molecular structures (different connectivities or different numbers and kinds of chemical bonds.
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www.mcgraw-hill.com.au/mhhe/biology/knox2e/stu/elearning_sessions/elearn_ch01.htm

Answer 2

It is easy to understand if you look at an example. Take C2H6O.

This molecular formula can be ethanol (ethyl alcohol), C2H5OH or the same atoms can form dimethyl ether, CH3-O-CH3. The molecules are very different. Ethanol is polar and the ether is non-polar. Its not surprising that they would have different properties. Drink ethanol and you will likely get drunk, Drink the ether and you will likely die.

I'd say that makes a big difference.

Answer 3

Because the Lord hath deemed it thus.