2,5-dimethylbenzenesulphonic acid?
When 1,4-dimethylbenzene is reacted with sulphuric acid it produces 2,5-dimethylbenzenesulphonic acid. I have been asked why the synthesis of 2,5-dimethylbenzenesulphonic acid doesn't result in 1,4-dimethylbenzene-2-sulphonic acid. My question is, aren't the two compounds the same? 2,5-dimethylbenzenesulphonic acid is structurally identical to 1,4-dimethylbenzene-2-sulphonic acid however rotated slightly anti-clockwise and observed from behind? This isn't an isomer, is it? I hope not or there is going to be some complicated synthesis mechanisms...
Update:Simplified question: Is it an isomer or just the same molecule rotated in the plane of view?
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You are correct, the names describe the same compound.
The sulfonic acid takes precedence over the methyl groups in the naming so the numbers change but the structure doesn't.