What is the essence of isomerization?

Isomerization is the ability of substances with the same atom composition to form compounds with different bond orders. In this case, various internal structures of the substance are formed, which leads to differences in chemical and physical properties. For example, carbon – a substance containing one type of atoms – is capable of forming a graphite crystal lattice (a layered lattice, inside each layer of which atoms are linked into hexagons) and an octahedral diamond lattice.

Complex organic substances are characterized by geometric isomerism – it is determined by the presence of a rigid double bond. Geometric isomers are referred to as cis and trans isomers. Having the same structure, they differ in the arrangement of groups around the double bond.

Some organic compounds are capable of rotating the plane of polarization of light. Some of them, having the same structure and chemical properties, rotate it in opposite directions. Such substances are called optical isomers.