Anisomerism – Definition & Meaning

Anisomerism is a term used in chemistry to describe a type of isomerism where two or more chemical compounds have the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms in their structures. This article will discuss the definition and meaning of anisomerism, its origin, and its associations.

Definitions

Anisomerism is defined as the phenomenon where two or more compounds have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms. This type of isomerism is also known as structural isomerism or constitutional isomerism.

Origin

The term anisomerism is derived from the Greek words “anisos” meaning unequal and “meros” meaning part. The concept of anisomerism was first introduced by the French chemist Jean Baptiste Dumas in 1834.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, anisomerism is defined as “the condition of being anisomeric”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines anisomerism as “the existence of two or more isomers of a compound which differ in the arrangement of their atoms”.

Associations

Anisomerism is associated with the study of organic chemistry and the structure of organic compounds. It is an important concept in the field of drug discovery and development, as different isomers of a drug can have different pharmacological properties.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of anisomerism include structural isomerism, constitutional isomerism, and regioisomerism.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms of anisomerism, as it is a specific term used to describe a type of isomerism.

The same root words

Some words that share the same root as anisomerism include anisotropic, which refers to a material that exhibits different properties in different directions, and anisogamy, which refers to sexual reproduction involving gametes of different sizes.

Example Sentences

1. The two compounds have the same molecular formula but differ in their structural arrangement, demonstrating anisomerism.
2. Anisomerism is an important concept in drug development, as different isomers of a drug can have different pharmacological properties.
3. The study of anisomerism is essential in the field of organic chemistry, where the structural arrangement of atoms in a compound can greatly affect its properties.