Alloisomerism is a term that is commonly used in the field of chemistry. It refers to the existence of compounds that have the same chemical formula but different arrangement of atoms in space. This phenomenon is also known as stereoisomerism, and it has significant implications in the study of organic chemistry. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of alloisomerism in detail.
Definitions
Alloisomerism is a type of stereoisomerism in which two or more compounds have the same chemical formula but different spatial arrangement of atoms. This results in compounds that have different physical and chemical properties. The term “allo” in alloisomerism refers to “different” or “other,” indicating that the isomers have different structures.
Origin
The concept of stereoisomerism was first introduced by Louis Pasteur in the 19th century. He discovered that certain organic compounds, such as tartaric acid, existed in two different forms that were mirror images of each other. These forms were referred to as enantiomers. Later, chemists discovered that there were other types of stereoisomers, including diastereomers and cis-trans isomers. Alloisomerism is a type of diastereomerism.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, alloisomerism is “the phenomenon of having the same chemical composition but different spatial arrangement of atoms.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the existence of two or more isomers having the same molecular formula but different arrangement of atoms in space.”
Associations
Alloisomerism is a fundamental concept in organic chemistry, as it plays a crucial role in determining the properties and behavior of organic compounds. It is particularly important in the study of biomolecules, such as proteins and DNA, which have complex three-dimensional structures. Alloisomerism also has practical applications in fields such as drug design and materials science.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of alloisomerism include stereoisomerism, diastereomerism, and geometric isomerism.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of alloisomerism, as it is a specific type of stereoisomerism. However, compounds that do not exhibit stereoisomerism are referred to as achiral.
The same root words
The prefix “allo-” in alloisomerism comes from the Greek word “allos,” which means “other” or “different.” The root word “isomer” comes from the Greek word “isos,” which means “equal,” and “meros,” which means “part.”
Example Sentences
- The two compounds have the same chemical formula but exhibit alloisomerism due to their different spatial arrangement of atoms.
- Alloisomerism is an important concept in drug design, as it can affect the efficacy and toxicity of a drug.
- The study of alloisomerism has led to the development of new materials with unique properties.
- The presence of alloisomerism in a molecule can complicate its synthesis and purification.