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Chemistry / Unit 12   Chem 2435 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Structural Isomers Defined

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The idea

Structural, or constitutional, isomers share the same molecular formula but differ in how their atoms are connected to each other.

In practice

n-Butane and 2-methylpropane both have formula C4H10, but one is unbranched and the other has a branch.

Where people slip

Two Lewis structures drawn differently on paper are not automatically different isomers — the same chain drawn straight, bent, or coiled is one molecule.

Your place on the trail

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