Isotope: Definition, Types.

Definition:

• Atoms with same atomic number (number of proton), but different atomic weight (number of protons and neutrons).
• Atoms of same element with different atomic weight.

Types of isotope:

1. Stable isotope
• Stability of an isotope depends on the definite neutron to ration which is specific for a specific atom.
• In atoms of low atomic weight stability is usually achieved with neutron to proton ration around one.
• In atoms of high atomic stability is usually achieved with more neutron than proton
• Neutrally occurring isotopes of most of the predominant elements are stable isotopes.
2. Unstable isotope
• These are the isotopes having neutron to proton ration far away from its stability ratio.
• Neutrally occurring isotopes of heavy elements are usually unstable
• Rarely some naturally occurring isotopes of lighter elements can also be unstable
• Unstable isotopes tend to become stable by radio active decay

What is Epimer?

Epimer:

Epimers are the optical stereoisomers which differ with respect to the spatial configuration around only one asymmetric carbon out of more than one asymmetric carbon in the molecule.

 e,g.  Glucose and Mannose (they are C2 epimers)
         Glucose and Galactose (they are C4 epimers)

Isomer: Definition, Types.

Isomer:

Definition:

Isomers are substances having same molecular (chemical) formula, but different structure or having
same molecular formula and identical structural form, but different spatial configuration around one
or more carbon. Isomerism is the processes of formation of isomers.

Types of isomer:

1. Structural isomer
2. Stereo isomer (Space isomer)
• Geometric isomer
• Cis variety
• Trans variety

•  Optical isomer
• Optical enantiomers
• Diasteroisomers

Structural Isomer:

These are the substances having same molecular (chemical) formula, but different structure. These
type of isomers differ with respect to physical and chemical properties.
e.g.     CH3-CH2-CH2-CH3 (Butane)
           
                     CH3

           CH3-CH-CH3 (Isobutane)

Stereo Isomer (Space Isomer)

Substances having same molecular formula as well as identical structural form, but different with
respect to the spatial configuration of atoms or groups around one or more carbon. This type of
isomers sometimes shows identical physical and chemical properties.
Spatial configuration means
o Arrangement of atoms or groups around a carbon in relation to space,
o Three dimensional space relationship of atoms or groups around a carbon.

Types of stereo isomer:

1. Geometric isomer
2. Optical isomer
• Optical enantiomers
• Diastereoisomers