Chapter 21, Problem 85A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The pair of isomers that would have same physical properties needs to be identified from the following:

A pair of structural isomers or a pair of stereoisomers.

Concept introduction:

The molecules having same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in spatial arrangements of atoms in the molecule are said to be stereoisomers of each other.

The molecules having same molecular formula but the structural arrangement of atoms in the molecule is different are said to be structural isomers of each other.

Answer to Problem 85A

A pair of stereoisomers would have same physical properties.

Explanation of Solution

In structural isomers, the number of main carbon chain can be vast and may vary from compound to compound. For example: pentane having 5 carbon atoms can have five structural isomers in all, this leads to a vast array of physical properties for structural isomers.

In stereoisomer, the number of main carbon chain and connectivity is same and vary in spatial arrangements of atoms in the molecule, this leads to small difference in the physical properties of stereoisomers.