What is the difference between structural isomers and stereoisomers?

Structural isomers have the same molecular formula but a different bonding arrangement, or connectivity, between these atoms. This leads to different physical and chemical properties between stereoisomers. 

An example of stereoisomers would be 2 possible forms of C4H10 as 2-methylpropane (or isobutane) and butane.
 

Stereoisomers also have identical molecular formulae BUT the arrangement of their atoms is also identical.
Stereoisomers only differ in the 3D spatial orientation of the groups in the molecule.

The simplest type of stereoisomerism is cis/trans isomerism. Where the restriction of bond rotation due to the presence of a double bond/ ring system leads to the possiblity of cis and trans forms. 

For example but-2-ene (C4H8) can exist as cis or trans.

JN
Answered by James N. Chemistry tutor

45880 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a transition metal?


Figure 1 shows a maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of molecular energies of a sample of gas at a fixed temperature. (a) Label the y axis. (b) On Figure 1, sketch a maxwell-Boltzmann distribution for the same sample of gas at a lower temperature.


Briefly describe the concept of electronegativity and explain why CCl4 is a non-polar molecule


How does a mass spectrometer work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning