Chirality, Superimposability, Stereocenters

Chirality

Concept of handedness

Achiral

No property of handedness

Chiral

Possess handed

Enantiomers

Different compounds w/ same molecular formula & atomic connectivity that are non-superimposable

Constitutional Isomers

Different compounds w/ same molecular formula caused by differences in connectivity of atoms

Stereoisomers

Same molecular formula w/ differences in atom position

Stereoisomerism

Differences in chemical and physical properties of organic compounds

Superimposability

Ability for objects unique parts to align directly with the same unique part (mirror test)

Can’t be superimposed=

Chiral

Can be superimposed=

Achiral

Tetrahedral stereocenter

Thalidomide

Polarimetry

Stereochemistry

Examines 3 dimensional structure of organic molecules (creates stereoisomers)

Chiral molecule

Objects exist in left and right form; enantiomers

If atoms/ groups don’t line up it’s…

Not superimposable

Enantiomers + non-superimposable=

Chiral

If atoms or groups DO line up it’s….

Superimposable

The presence of _____ is the common cause for chirality

Tetrahedral stereocenter

Atom w/ tetrahedral geometry w/ atom or group orientation causing it to not be superimposed (chiral)

Tetrahedral stereocenter

There must be ______ and ______ or groups present for a molecule to posses chirality.

Tetrahedral stereocenter; 4 unique atoms

Handedness is caused by the ________ of groups.

direction of orientation/ twist

Absence of stereocenter =

Achiral

Two identical groups means no stereocenter which =

Achiral

Multiple C Bonds aren’t tetrahedral but…

Trigonal planar or linear