Superimposable molecules

Definition

Two molecules are superimposable ("identical") if they can be brought into coincidence by rotation or (and) translations of entire molecules without changing the relative arrangement of the atoms.

Animation

Two superimposable molecules

 

Click on the right image to make the molecule turn about the C-C axis !

Examples

Same substance or no?

It is obviously not possible to separate superimposable molecules by conventional separation methods (distillation, chromatography ..)

Superimposable molecules belong to the same chemical substance .