isomerization
Same atoms, different arrangement
Isomerization is a chemical process in which a molecule is transformed into a different arrangement of the same atoms—a structural rearrangement without gaining or losing anything.
The result is an isomer: same molecular formula, different configuration.
The process is important in petroleum refining, where straight-chain hydrocarbons are converted to branched forms that burn more efficiently in engines.
Altered ordering of elements
- intramolecularWithin a single molecule
- tautomerismInterconvertible structural isomer equilibrium
- cis-transIsomer position descriptors
- ring-openingCleaving a cyclic structure
Spatially distinct molecular forms
- enantiomersMirror-image molecular pairs
- cisOn this side
- transPrefix for across
- constitutionalHealth-promoting walk
optical · chirality · axial · equatorial · meso
Agent enabling change
- enzymeProtein that hastens reactions
- zeolitePorous aluminosilicate mineral
- platinumDense precious silvery metal
- nickelElement twenty-eight, or coin
palladium · active site · substrate · selectivity · heterogeneous · homogeneous · reforming · industrial
State of balance
- activation energyMinimum energy for transformation
- enthalpyThermodynamic total heat quantity
- exothermicReleasing energy as heat
- endothermicAbsorbing thermal energy
barrier · free energy · reversible · spontaneous · kinetics · heat · stability · favorable
Crude oil distillation industry
- glucose-fructoseIndustrial sweetening mixture
- high-fructose corn syrupProcessed maize sweetener
- retinalOf eye's inner lining
- visionAbility to see
drug metabolism · biodiesel · polymerization · fatty acids · vitamin A · carotenoids · industrial chemistry
rearrangement
Altered ordering of elements
- intramolecularWithin a single molecule
- tautomerismInterconvertible structural isomer equilibrium
- cis-transIsomer position descriptors
stereoisomers
Spatially distinct molecular forms
- enantiomersMirror-image molecular pairs
- cisOn this side
- transPrefix for across
constitutional · optical · chirality · axial · equatorial · meso
catalyst
Agent enabling change
- enzymeProtein that hastens reactions
- zeolitePorous aluminosilicate mineral
- platinumDense precious silvery metal
nickel · palladium · active site · substrate · selectivity · heterogeneous · homogeneous · reforming · industrial
equilibrium
State of balance
- activation energyMinimum energy for transformation
- enthalpyThermodynamic total heat quantity
- exothermicReleasing energy as heat
endothermic · barrier · free energy · reversible · spontaneous · kinetics · heat · stability · favorable · unfavorable
petroleum refining
Crude oil distillation industry
- glucose-fructoseIndustrial sweetening mixture
- high-fructose corn syrupProcessed maize sweetener
- retinalOf eye's inner lining
vision · drug metabolism · biodiesel · polymerization · fatty acids · vitamin A · carotenoids · industrial chemistry
- petroleumcrude oil, crude, petroleum, oil wells, oil fields
- brewingwort, mash, brewery, hops, malt
- chemical reactionscondensation, combustion, oxidation, hydrolysis, oxidation-reduction
- Brewing Sciencewort, malt, hops, yeast, mashing
- refiningrefining, distillation, cracking, vacuum distillation, desulfurization
- RNA Modificationsmethylation, editing, deamination, acetylation, Am
isomerizationdecomposition
Breakdown into simpler parts
synthesis · polymerization · fragmentation · degradation · condensation