In the first half of the nineteenth century, scholars noted that the properties of chemical substances do not depend solely on their composition, but also on the spatial arrangement of the atoms within the molecule. It was from this conception that the term Isomeria was born.
Definition of Isomerism: phenomenon related to the existence of two substances that have the same molecular formula, but have different structures and properties.
The first identified isomers: silver fulminate and silver cyanate. the chemists Justus von Liebig and Friedrich Wohler were responsible for the discovery, around the year 1824.
Molecular formulas: Silver fulmanate (Ag-CNO), silver cyanate (Ag-NCO).
Note that the compounds have the same molecular formula, but the rearrangement of atoms differs in each case.
The official definition for this phenomenon was created later, in the year 1830, by the chemist Berzelius. He observed that in obtaining tartaric acid two different forms originated, with identical composition and formulas, but which are distinguished by the position of the atoms in the molecule. And from there the term and definition for “Isomeria” was created.
By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
Brazil School Team
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Isomerism - Organic chemistry - Chemistry - Brazil School
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/isomeria-como-tudo-comecou.htm