Alloisomer

/ˌæloɪˈsoʊmər/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound that has the same molecular formula as another compound but with a different spatial arrangement of atoms that cannot easily convert between forms.

Etymology

From 'allo-' (other) + 'isomer' (same parts); a chemistry term distinguishing from regular isomers, combining Greek 'allo-' with Latin/Greek 'iso-' (same) + '-mer' (part).

Kelly Says

Alloisomers are like the difference between your left and right hands—they have identical components arranged in mirror-image ways, and just like you can't turn your left hand into your right hand by rotating it, some alloisomers can't interconvert!

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