ENANTIOMERS

Stereochemistry

Three-dimensional arrangement of atoms (groups) in space.

Stereoisomers

Molecules with the same connectivity but different arrangement of atoms (groups) in space.

Molecular Chirality

Refers to enantiomers, which are non-superimposable mirror image isomers.

Enantiomers

Non-superimposable mirror image isomers, analogous to right and left hands.

Chirality

A property of enantiomers indicating they are chiral; derived from the Greek word for hand.

Achiral

Molecules that contain a plane of symmetry and are superimposable on their mirror image.

Chirality Center

A carbon atom bonded to four different groups, resulting in a chiral molecule.

Optical Activity

The ability of a substance to rotate plane polarized light, dependent on various factors.

Plane Polarized Light

Light that oscillates in only one plane.

Fischer Projections

A flat representation of a three-dimensional molecule, using crossed lines for tetrahedral carbons.

Properties of Enantiomers

Enantiomers have identical physical properties but rotate plane polarized light in opposite directions.

Diastereomers

Non-mirror image stereoisomers that occur when more than one chiral center is present.

Meso Compounds

Molecules with chiral atoms that are achiral due to a plane of symmetry.

Isomers

Compounds with the same chemical formula but different arrangements of atoms.

Constitutional Isomers

Isomers with different connectivities among atoms.

Geometric Isomers

A type of diastereomer, specifically E/Z alkene isomers.