tautomerism Definition
the existence of two or more isomeric forms of a compound that readily interconvert, especially by a shift of a hydrogen atom or group..
Using tautomerism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tautomerism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Tautomerism is a chemical phenomenon that occurs in certain organic compounds.
Example
The tautomeric forms of a molecule can have different physical and chemical properties.
Example
Tautomerism plays an important role in the biochemistry of DNA bases.
Summary: tautomerism in Brief
Tautomerism [taw-tuh-muh-riz-uhm] is a chemical phenomenon that occurs in certain organic compounds. It refers to the existence of two or more isomeric forms of a compound that readily interconvert, especially by a shift of a hydrogen atom or group. Tautomeric forms of a molecule can have different physical and chemical properties, and this phenomenon plays an important role in the biochemistry of DNA bases.