isomerization
/ai,sɔmərai'zeiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - The process of converting a chemical compound into an isomer of itself: Isomerization is a chemical reaction in which a molecule is transformed into another molecule that has the same atoms but a different arrangement of those atoms, resulting in a different structural or spatial form.
Usage and Examples
- General Usage: The term is used primarily in chemistry to describe a specific type of molecular rearrangement.
- The refinery uses a catalyst to promote the isomerization of straight-chain hydrocarbons into branched-chain ones to improve fuel quality.
- In organic chemistry, isomerization is a key step in many synthetic pathways.
Advanced Usage
- Catalytic Isomerization: A common industrial process where a catalyst is used to facilitate the reaction.
- Catalytic isomerization is crucial for producing high-octane gasoline components.
- Photoisomerization: Isomerization that is induced by light.
- The vision process involves the photoisomerization of retinal in the eye.
Variants and Related Words
- Isomerize (verb): To undergo or cause to undergo isomerization.
- The compound can isomerize under heat.
- Isomer (noun): One of two or more compounds with the same formula but a different arrangement of atoms.
- Glucose and fructose are isomers of each other.
Synonyms
- Rearrangement: A general term for a reaction where the structure of a molecule is changed to form an isomer.
- Structural change: A broader term that can encompass isomerization.
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Equilibrium isomerization: When the reaction reaches a state where the starting material and the isomer are in balance.
- The mixture contained both forms due to equilibrium isomerization.
- Stereoisomerization: A subtype of isomerization involving a change in the spatial orientation of atoms without breaking bonds.
- The study focused on the stereoisomerization of the chiral center.
Noun
- the conversion of a compound into an isomer of itself