Stereoisomerism

Stereoisomers have identical molecular formula and same connectivity of the constituent atoms but the relative three dimensional arrangements of the atoms are different. Stereoisomerism is classified as

• Configurational Isomerism
• Geometrical Isomerism.
• Optical Isomerism
• Conformational Isomerism

Configurational Isomerism

Stereoisomers which differ in spatial arrangement of atoms and thus show different properties.
These isomers cannot be obtained by free rotation around C-C single bond.

Geometrical Isomerism

Geometrical isomers are stereoisomers which differ in spatial arrangement of atoms or groups attached to double bonds or rings in a molecule differs. The main criteria for geometrical isomerism is the restriction in rotation around C-C single bond. Continue...

Optical Isomerism

Optical isomerism is a phenomenon that occurs when two substances have the same chemical formula and structure, but their mirror images cannot be superimposed to each other. Optical isomers are also known as enantiomers. Continue...

Conformational Isomerism

The different arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation around C-C single bonds are called conformations or conformational isomers.

Conformations of Ethane and Conformations of Butane

Also read Isomerism