chapter 5

Constitutional Isomers

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different connectivity of atoms.

Stereoisomer

Molecules with the same molecular formula and connectivity but different spatial arrangement of atoms.

Cis, Trans Stereoisomers

Stereoisomers that have the same connectivity but differ in three-dimensional spatial arrangement.

Alkenes

Molecules with carbon-carbon double bonds that do not allow free rotation, leading to stereoisomerism.

Chirality

A property of a molecule that is asymmetric and not superimposable on its mirror image.

Non-superimposable

A term used to describe molecules that cannot be perfectly aligned with their mirror images.

Chiral Center

An sp3 hybridized tetrahedral carbon atom with four unique substituents attached.

Enantiomers

Chiral molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

R/S Configuration

A system used to label chiral centers as either "R" (clockwise) or "S" (counterclockwise).

Steps to Determine R/S Configuration

A method involving prioritizing groups, arranging the molecule, and determining the direction of the highest priority groups.

Single Swap

A technique to determine enantiomers by swapping the lowest priority group with another, resulting in the opposite configuration.