Definition

1. Verb:
   • To change into an isomer: In chemistry, to undergo a structural rearrangement where a molecule transforms into another molecule with the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms.
   • To cause to change into an isomer: To induce or catalyze the process of isomerization in a chemical compound.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (intransitive):
  • The molecule can isomerize under UV light. (The molecule undergoes a structural change to become an isomer when exposed to ultraviolet light.)
  • This compound tends to isomerize at high temperatures. (This substance changes into its isomer when heated.)
• Verb (transitive):
  • The catalyst helps isomerize the straight-chain hydrocarbon into a branched one. (The catalyst causes the linear hydrocarbon to rearrange into a branched isomer.)
  • Researchers aim to isomerize the compound to improve its pharmaceutical properties. (Scientists intend to induce isomerization to enhance the drug's characteristics.)

Advanced Usage

• "To isomerize readily": To undergo isomerization easily or with little energy input.
  • Some unsaturated fats isomerize readily during high-heat cooking.
• "To be isomerized by": To have the isomerization process caused by a specific agent.
  • The substrate was isomerized by the enzyme.

Variants and Related Words

• Isomerization (noun): The process or result of isomerizing.
  • The isomerization of glucose to fructose is a key industrial process.
• Isomer (noun): One of two or more compounds with the same formula but a different arrangement of atoms.
  • Butane and isobutane are isomers.
• Isomeric (adjective): Relating to or being an isomer.
  • The two substances have isomeric structures.

Synonyms

• Convert (in a chemical context): To change from one form to another.
• Rearrange (specifically of molecular structure): To change the order or position of components.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• Cis-trans isomerize: To change between cis and trans geometric isomers.
  • The double bond allows the molecule to cis-trans isomerize.
• Photoisomerize: To isomerize as a result of absorbing light.
  • The retinal molecule in the eye photoisomerizes when struck by photons.

Verb

1. change into an isomer
2. cause to change into an isomer