Which term refers to compounds that have the same structural formula but different arrangements of atoms in space?

The term that refers to compounds with the same structural formula but different arrangements of atoms in space is "stereoisomer." Stereoisomers are a specific type of isomer where the atoms are connected in the same order but differ in their spatial orientation. This difference in arrangement can have significant implications for the properties and reactivity of the compounds.

For example, consider two stereoisomers that are mirror images of each other, known as enantiomers. These compounds can exhibit different biological activities and interactions with polarized light due to their specific three-dimensional orientation. It’s important to note that while all stereoisomers are isomers, not all isomers are stereoisomers. Other types of isomers, such as structural isomers, do not conserve the connectivity or arrangement in space.

Understanding stereoisomerism is crucial in fields like biochemistry and pharmacology, as the spatial arrangement of atoms can greatly influence molecular function.