Monday, November 30, 2009

Somries


Did you know two molecules can have the same chemical formula but different structures?

These are called isomers. They're made of the same number and kind of atoms, but arranged in a different shape such that it changes the physical properties of the substance. These can be seen most commonly in hydrocarbons (organic molecules) which contain long carbon chains. These carbon chains can be broken down so that they branch off a single main carbon chain, which changes its chemical properties.

All hydrocarbons including and after butane have at least one isomer.

n-butane is a straight carbon chain butane molecule, while isobutane branches off, seen above.

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