Basic principles in organic chemistry: Structural isomerism
The following discussion has been contributed by Saurja DasGupta
Contents
Introduction
Isomerism in organic chemistry is a phenomenon shown by two or more organic compounds having the same molecular formula but different properties due to difference in arrangement of atoms along the carbon skeleton (structural isomerism) or in space (Stereo isomerism). The chart summarizes the types of isomerism, and we will discuss only structural isomerism in greater detail.

Structural Isomerism
Chain Isomerism
It occurs when carbon atoms are linked to the main chain in different ways. For example:

Position Isomerism
It occurs when functional groups are attached on different positions on a carbon chain. For example:

Functional Isomerism
It is a very interesting form of isomerism where the compounds are different due to different arrangements of atoms leading to different functional groups. As functional groups are usually the reactive centre of a molecule this leads to entirely different properties. For example:

Metamerism
This form of isomerism is rare and is limited to molecules having a divalent atom like O or S and alkyl groups around it. The main examples come from ethers and thioethers.

Tautomerism
This isomerism is due to spontaneous intreconversion of two isomeric forms with different functional groups. The prerequisites for this is the presence of the C=O, C==N or N=O in the usual cases and an alpha H atom. The most usual is the ‘keto-enol’ tautomerism, but there can be others like nitro-aci and amine-imine forms.

In general the Keto form is more stable. Enols can be forms by acid or base catalysis from the ketone and are extensively used in making C-C single bonds in organic synthesis.
Ring-Chain isomerism
Here one isomer is an open chain molecule and the other a cyclic molecule.

Propene is an alkene and cyclopropane an alkane, two different classes of compounds.