The discovery of isomerism marked the advent of structural chemistry, where it became significantly important to establish structural formulas, welcome the abundance of structurally diverse compounds, classify them, and study their individual properties and impacts.
The utility of isomerism has spread far and wide in various sectors, which is sometimes so easy to overlook. A small example will help you unsee that and appreciate how stealthily it is incorporated into our lives. A variation in the structure of Low-Density Polyethylene can transform plastic bags or squeeze bottles into sturdy, durable plastic pipes and containers (High-Density Polyethylene).
In another example, a simple four carbon compound can have seven ways of representation, each with its own properties and chemical reactions. Seeking one may lead one to another, and another, and so on. So, its greatly important to understand the diversity in the study of isomerism.
Sometimes, the lessons were learned the hard way. The drug thalidomide was used in the late 1950s and early 1960s to overcome nausea in pregnant women. However, it became apparent that the thalidomide treatment resulted in thousands of malformed newborns with severe birth defects. The culprit was the R-isomer of the drug, causing teratogenicity, resulting in the drug ban.
So, from the triumphs of developing new materials to the tribulations of obtaining unwanted products, the study of isomerism is far-reaching and significant in chemistry.
This is a supportive content for the chapter Intermolecular Forces part of CurlyArrows' Introduction to Organic Chemistry Course. Preview the Book.
Inquisitive Read: Why do only covalently bonded molecules show isomerism? (free)
Related Chapter: Structural Isomerism (subscribers only premium tutorial)
