Re: TOJC

mittondr@PLU.edu
Fri, 13 Sep 1996 15:42:15 -0800 (PST)

On Fri, 13 Sep 1996 lwaisk@PLU.edu wrote:

> I don't think I have a clear understanding of constitutional
> isomers. Can someone explain it to me shortly.
>
>
Molecules with the same formula but different shapes or connections are
isomers. Structural isomers differ in their shape - one branch might be
left of center, one to the right. Constitutional isomers differ in the
arrangement of the atoms within the molecule; the books uses ethyl
alchohol and dimethyl ether as examples. Both have the formula C2OH6 but
are connected in very different ways (see picture, page 5). Do you have a
model set? I've been playing with one and it really helps to see what the
book is talking about.

Hope that helps....