tautomerism
Reversible structural interconversion
Tautomerism is a chemical phenomenon where a compound exists in two or more structural forms that readily convert between each other, usually by the movement of a hydrogen atom.
The different forms are called tautomers.
The most common type is keto-enol tautomerism, where a carbonyl compound shifts to a form with a hydroxyl group attached to a double bond.
The tautomerism of the molecule affects its reactivity.
structure
Same formula, different shape
- conjugationVerb form variation system
- molecular structureArrangement of atoms in compound
equilibrium
Balance through opposing changes
- energy barrierMinimum needed to react
- activation energyMinimum energy for transformation
- equilibrationReaching a balanced state
applications
Permanent DNA alteration
- crystallographyStudy of atomic lattices
- biochemistryScience of living chemistry
keto-enol
Carbonyl-hydroxyl isomerism
- annularRing-shaped, with hole
isomer
Same formula, different shape
- conjugationVerb form variation system
- molecular structureArrangement of atoms in compound
dynamic equilibrium
Balance through opposing changes
- energy barrierMinimum needed to react
- activation energyMinimum energy for transformation
- equilibrationReaching a balanced state
mutation
Permanent DNA alteration
- crystallographyStudy of atomic lattices
- biochemistryScience of living chemistry