isomerism /isom·e·rism/ (-ah-rizm) the possession by two or more distinct compounds of the same molecular formula, each molecule having the same number of atoms of each element, but in different arrangement.
constitutional i. isomerism in which the compounds have the same molecular formula (that is, they are composed of the same atoms) but differ in structure, the atoms being linked in different ways. 
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Constitutional isomerism. Both compounds have the molecular formula C4H10.
geometric isomerism stereoisomerism in which isomers differ in the arrangement of substituents of a rigid structure, such as double-bonded carbon atoms or a ring.
optical isomerism stereoisomerism in which isomers differ in the arrangement of substituents at one or more asymmetric carbon atoms; thus some, but not necessarily all, are optically active.
structural isomerism constitutional i.
| structural isomerism n. Isomerism involving the same atoms in different arrangements. |
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