Stereoisomerism

These flashcards summarize key concepts related to stereoisomerism, including definitions, classifications, and characteristics of isomers.

What is stereoisomerism?

Stereoisomerism refers to molecules that have the same molecular formula but differ in the 3-D orientations of their atoms in space.

What distinguishes constitutional isomers from stereoisomers?

Constitutional isomers have different bonding patterns and IUPAC names, while stereoisomers have the same IUPAC names and functional groups.

What is geometrical isomerism also known as?

Geometrical isomerism is also known as cis-trans isomerism or E-Z isomerism.

How do you identify a cis isomer?

A cis isomer has similar groups on the same side of the double bond.

What is the characteristics of trans isomers?

Trans isomers have similar groups on opposite sides of the double bond.

What is the E-Z notation based on?

The E-Z notation is based on the priority of substituents attached to the double bond.

When can a compound not have cis-trans isomers?

A compound cannot have cis-trans isomers if one of the carbon atoms of the double bond has two identical substituents.

What term describes the particular 3-D arrangement of stereoisomers?

The particular 3-D arrangement of stereoisomers is called a configuration.

What is optical isomerism?

Optical isomerism is a type of stereoisomerism where molecules are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

What do stereoisomers have in common?

Stereoisomers have the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms.

What is the definition of enantiomers?

Enantiomers are a type of optical isomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

What is a chiral molecule?

A chiral molecule is one that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image, usually due to the presence of an asymmetric carbon atom.

What is racemic mixture?

A racemic mixture is a mixture that contains equal amounts of left- and right-handed enantiomers of a chiral molecule.

How does optical activity occur?

Optical activity occurs when chiral molecules rotate the plane of polarized light.

What are diastereomers?

Diastereomers are stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other and have different physical properties.

What is stereoisomerism?

Stereoisomerism refers to molecules that have the same molecular formula but differ in the 3-D orientations of their atoms in space.

What distinguishes constitutional isomers from stereoisomers?

Constitutional isomers have different bonding patterns and IUPAC names, while stereoisomers have the same IUPAC names and functional groups.

What is geometrical isomerism also known as?

Geometrical isomerism is also known as cis-trans isomerism or E-Z isomerism.

How do you identify a cis isomer?

A cis isomer has similar groups on the same side of the double bond.

What is the characteristics of trans isomers?

Trans isomers have similar groups on opposite sides of the double bond.

What is the E-Z notation based on?

The E-Z notation is based on the priority of substituents attached to the double bond.

When can a compound not have cis-trans isomers?

A compound cannot have cis-trans isomers if one of the carbon atoms of the double bond has two identical substituents.

What term describes the particular 3-D arrangement of stereoisomers?

The particular 3-D arrangement of stereoisomers is called a configuration.

What is optical isomerism?

Optical isomerism is a type of stereoisomerism where molecules are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

What do stereoisomers have in common?

Stereoisomers have the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms.

What is the definition of enantiomers?

Enantiomers are a type of optical isomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

What is a chiral molecule?

A chiral molecule is one that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image, usually due to the presence of an asymmetric carbon atom.

What is racemic mixture?

A racemic mixture is a mixture that contains equal amounts of left- and right-handed enantiomers of a chiral molecule.

How does optical activity occur?

Optical activity occurs when chiral molecules rotate the plane of polarized light.

What are diastereomers?

Diastereomers are stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other and have different physical properties.