Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Isotopomer and Isotopologue?

Guilherme Mazui

•2 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Isotopomer and Isotopologue?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The terms isotopomer and isotopologue are used to describe different relationships between isotopic compounds. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Isotopomer: Isotopomers are molecules that have the same number of each isotopic atom but differ in their positions within the molecule. They are isotopic isomers, meaning they have the same composition but a different arrangement of isotopes.
  • Isotopologue: Isotopologues are molecules that differ only in their isotopic composition, meaning they have the same chemical species but at least one atom contains a different number of neutrons. They are isotopic homologues, implying they share the same elemental composition but differ in isotopic content.

To summarize, isotopomers are isotopic isomers with the same number of isotopes in different positions, while isotopologues are isotopic homologues with the same elemental composition but different isotopic content.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Isotopomer and Isotopologue?
  • Comparative Table: Isotopomer vs Isotopologue

    • Comparative Table: Isotopomer vs Isotopologue

    Here is a table comparing isotopomers and isotopologues:

    Property Isotopomers Isotopologues
    Definition Isotopomers are isomers with isotopic atoms, where there is the same number of each isotope, but these isotopes are in different positions. Isotopologues are molecules that differ only in the isotopic composition. They have identical elemental composition but differ in the composition of their isotopes.
    Differences - Same number of each isotope.
    - Isotopes are in different positions.    		 - Different isotopic composition.
    - Identical elemental composition.
    Usefulness Isotopomers are useful in studying the behavior of different isotopes within a molecule. Isotopologues are useful in studying the effects of different isotopic compositions on chemical properties.

    In summary, isotopomers are molecules with the same number of isotopes but with different arrangements of these isotopes, while isotopologues are molecules with the same elemental composition but different isotopic compositions.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.