Question

What is a similarity between optical and geometrical isomerism?

Answer 1

Hint :In isomerism a few compounds can have the exact same chemical or molecular formula but those compounds can differ amongst themselves in the arrangement of their chemical structure. Such compounds are called isomers. We know that two types of isomerism exist, that is, ‘stereoisomerism’ and ‘structural isomerism’.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
‘Isomers’ are a classification of compounds of the same chemical or molecular formula and different atom linking arrangements (basic structure). Isomerism occurs when two or more substances have the same chemical composition but different chemical arrangements.
There are mainly two known forms of isomerism ‘Structural isomerism’ and ‘Stereoisomerism’.
Now ‘Optical isomerism’; Optical isomerism occurs when two isomers come in a form where they have the same molecular weight along with the same properties be it physical or chemical. Stereoisomerism is the category under which we can find optical isomerism. It mostly occurs in compounds that have the same molecular and structural formula but cannot be superimposed over each other. It implies that they are mirror images so are not compatible when one structure is placed on top of the other.
Then ‘Geometric isomerism’; It comes under stereoisomerism in which compounds are similar in structure and molecular formula but the relative arrangement of atoms have some amount of difference. Geometrical Isomerism is a typical occurrence in complexes that are heteroleptic. This form of isomerism occurs as a result of the ligand's various geometric formation or arrangements.
Therefore their similarity is being a type of stereoisomer, where this type of isomerism occurs in compounds that have the same chemical composition but several different atomic orientations in the three-dimensional space also said to be the difference in spatial arrangement.
So clearly, both the given types of isomerism; ‘optical’ and ‘geometric’ belong to the same category of ‘stereoisomers’. This is the major similarity among the two isomers.

Note :
Optical and geometrical isomers do differ in a few ways, but the primary distinction between optical and geometrical isomerism is that;
- Optical isomers are pairs of compounds that act as mirror copies of each other.
- At the same time, geometrical isomers will be pairs of compounds that have the same substituents bound to a carbon-carbon double bond in different ways.