For each pair of structures shown below, indicate whether the two species are identical molecules, enantiomers, or isomers of some other sort.
To determine the relationship between the two structures, we need to analyze their connectivity and geometry. Let's go through the steps:
Step 1: Analyze the connectivity of the molecules
- Look at the atoms and the bonds between them in each structure.
- If the connectivity of atoms is identical, it means the molecules are the same.
Step 2: Examine the spatial arrangement (geometry) of the molecules
- Look for stereocenters (chiral centers) in each structure.
- If the two structures have the same connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement around at least one stereocenter, they are enantiomers.
- Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.
Step 3: Determine whether they are isomers of some other sort
- If the two structures are neither identical nor enantiomers, they must be some other type of isomer.
- Isomers can have different connectivity and/or different spatial arrangements.
By following these steps, you can evaluate the relationship between the two structures and classify them accordingly as identical, enantiomers, or isomers of some other sort.