Stereochemistry and Isomerism

Flashcards covering key concepts related to stereochemistry and isomerism, including definitions and characteristics of isomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, and methods for determining configurations.

Isomerism

The phenomenon where two or more compounds have the same molecular formula but different structures.

Constitutional Isomers

Isomers that have the same molecular formula but differ in the sequence of bonded atoms (ordinal structure).

Stereoisomers

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

Enantiomers

Stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, often exhibiting chirality.

Stereocenter

A chiral center in a molecule, typically a carbon atom attached to four different groups.

Diastereomers

Stereoisomers with two or more stereocenters that are not mirror images of each other.

Optical Activity

The ability of a molecule to rotate the plane of polarized light, a property exhibited by chiral molecules.

R and S Configuration

A system to denote the absolute configuration of chiral centers based on priority rules.

R Configuration

A type of stereoisomer configuration where the priority sequence follows a clockwise rotation.

S Configuration

A type of stereoisomer configuration where the priority sequence follows a counterclockwise rotation.

Racemics

A mixture of equal amounts of two enantiomers, resulting in no optical activity.

Fischer Projections

A two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional molecule, used to depict stereochemistry.