What are isomers?

Isomers are defined as compounds that possess the same molecular formula but exhibit different structural arrangements of atoms. This distinction in structure can lead to variations in properties, such as boiling points, melting points, and reactivity, which can significantly influence how these compounds behave in chemical reactions.

The concept of isomerism is essential in organic chemistry, as it helps in understanding the vast diversity of chemical compounds that can be formed from the same set of atoms. For example, butane (C4H10) can exist as two different structural isomers: n-butane, with a straight-chain structure, and isobutane, which has a branched structure. These isomers illustrate how slight changes in connectivity can result in different physical and chemical properties, despite having the same number and type of atoms.

The other options do not accurately describe isomers. The first choice suggests that isomers must have different molecular formulas, which contradicts the definition of isomerism. The third option implies that isomers cannot exist in different forms, which misses the point of isomerism. Lastly, the fourth option states that isomers have identical atomic structures, which is not true since the whole idea revolves around differences in structure. Therefore, understanding isomers is crucial for