IsomersCompounds that have identical chemical formulas but

different molecular shapes or structures

Iso-greek “equal or identical”Meros greek “part”

Organic CompoundsMolecules that mainly contain carbon. This

contains substances both naturally found and man made (synthetic).

ButaneC4H10

IsobutaneC4H10

Building Blocks: CarbonIn the organic world, carbon rules. The simplest organic compounds have just carbon and hydrogen. Carbon atom chain together nicely to make whatever length you want from two to two million.

Building Blocks: Hydrocarbons

As the chains get longer, the hydrocarbons go from a gas to a liquid to a more viscous liquid, and finally a solid. The longest chains are polyethylene plastic.

HydrocarbonsThe simplest organic compounds because

they contain only two types of atoms—carbon and hydrogen

Methane CH4

Octane C8H18

Methane, ethane, benzene, octane

Build a model of ButaneC4H10

Build another model of butane with a different structure

Butane Isomer

Other Examples?

IsomersIsomers have the same chemical structure but

different properties because their atoms are arranged differently

The greater the number of atoms in a molecule, the more isomers it is likely to have

http://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/VirtTxtJml/intro3.htm#strc5

Organically synthesized from Coal Tar

Vulcanized rubber

Synthetic dyes and perfumes

Asphalt

Rubberized fabric for making waterproof clothing

Creosote

Viscose Rayon

Soapless Detergents

Synthetic painkilling drugs

plastics