tautomer Definition
- 1either of two isomers that readily convert into each other, typically by moving a hydrogen atom between two adjacent atoms, especially (in biochemistry) those relating to nucleic acids or amino acids.
- 2a structural isomer that exists in equilibrium with another structural isomer and can be interconverted by a chemical reaction
Using tautomer: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tautomer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Tautomers are isomers that differ in the position of a hydrogen atom and a double bond.
Example
The keto form of a tautomer is more stable than its enol form.
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Summary: tautomer in Brief
A 'tautomer' [ˈtɔːtəmə(r)] is a type of isomer that can exist in equilibrium with another isomer and can be interconverted by a chemical reaction. In biochemistry, tautomers are often related to nucleic acids or amino acids. For example, the keto form of a tautomer is more stable than its enol form.
