Which term describes the conversion of a chemical with a given molecular formula into another compound with the same formula but a different arrangement of atoms?

• A. Isomerization
• B. Disproportionation
• C. Tautomerization
• D. Polymerization

Answer: (A)

Isomerization describes transforming a molecule into another with the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms. This is exactly the idea of rearranging bonds and atoms without adding or removing any material, producing a different structural form. A common subtype is tautomerization, where a proton shifts and a double bond relocates, yet the formula stays the same. By contrast, disproportionation involves changing oxidation states to yield different species, and polymerization builds larger polymers from smaller units, which alters the formula as well. So the correct term is isomerization.