Isomerization

The conversion of a molecule, polyatomic ion, or molecular fragment into an isomer with a different chemical structure is known as isomerization. Tautomerization as well as enolization are both examples of isomerization. A rearrangement reaction may be used to describe isomerization that takes place intramolecularly. Both isomers will be in an equilibrium with one another at a given temperature when the activation energy for the isomerization reaction is low enough. There have been numerous estimates of the standard free energy difference calculated, and the data from both the calculations and the observations show good agreement. In the cracking method used in the petrochemical industry, skeletal isomerization takes place. Straight-chain hydrocarbons are also changed into branched isomers during the process, as demonstrated by the subsequent reaction of n-butane to i-butane. This process also results in a decrease in the average chain length.