Stereoisomers

[jordanginyard_]

What is the difference between the terms stereoisomers and structural isomers and how important is it for the final exam?

[Chem_Mod]

Stereoisomers differ only in the spatial arrangement of atoms. Structural isomers differ in the bonding arrangements.

[Manav Patel 3L]

Structural isomers refer to compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms. They vary in the connectivity or bonding patterns of the atoms within the molecules. In contrast, stereoisomers have the same molecular formula and the same connectivity of atoms, but they differ in their spatial arrangement or orientation of atoms in three-dimensional space. Stereoisomers arise due to different spatial arrangements, such as geometric isomers (cis-trans isomers) or optical isomers (enantiomers), without changing the actual connectivity of atoms.