BMS1011 WK2L2 Part A flashcards

Chirality

The property of a molecule having non-superimposable mirror images, often significant in chemistry and biology.

Isomer

A set of molecules that have the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space.

Constitutional Isomers

Isomers that differ in the connectivity of their atoms, resulting in different skeletal structures.

Stereoisomers

Isomers that have the same molecular structure and order of atoms but differ in the arrangement of those atoms in space.

Cis-Trans Isomers

A type of stereoisomer found in alkenes, distinguished by the position of substituents relative to a double bond.

Stereocenter

An atom in a molecule that has four different groups attached to it, leading to stereoisomerism.

Enantiomers

A pair of stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

Diastereoisomers

Stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other and have multiple stereocenters.

R/S Nomenclature

A system for naming chiral centers in molecules, indicating priority of substituents and orientation.

E/Z Isomers

A more general nomenclature used to describe the arrangement of substituents in alkenes, based on priorities.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.

Molecular Formula

A notation that indicates the type and number of atoms in a molecule but doesn't provide structural information.

Dimethyl Ether vs Ethanol

Example of constitutional isomers with significantly different physical properties due to arrangement of atoms.