Definition

1. Noun:
   • The relation of opposition between crystals or molecules that are reflections of one another: In chemistry and crystallography, enantiomorphism describes the property where two structures are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed, much like left and right hands.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The study of crystal structures often involves analyzing enantiomorphism.
  • The presence of enantiomorphism in a molecule is a key factor in its optical activity.

Advanced Usage

• "To exhibit enantiomorphism": to display the property of being mirror-image forms.
  • The two crystal forms exhibit perfect enantiomorphism.
• "The principle of enantiomorphism": the fundamental concept describing this mirror-image relationship.
  • The principle of enantiomorphism is central to understanding chiral molecules.

Variants and Related Words

• Enantiomer (n): One of a pair of molecules that are mirror images of each other.
  • The two enantiomers of the compound have identical physical properties except for how they rotate light.
• Enantiomeric (adj): Relating to or being an enantiomer.
  • The mixture had an enantiomeric excess of one form over the other.
• Chirality (n): The geometric property of a rigid object (or spatial arrangement of points or atoms) of being non-superposable on its mirror image.
  • Chirality is a prerequisite for enantiomorphism.

Synonyms

• Mirror-image relationship: A descriptive synonym for the core concept.
• Handedness: Often used informally to describe the chiral property that leads to enantiomorphism.

Related Phrases

• Optical isomerism: A type of stereoisomerism where molecules are enantiomorphs, differing in their effect on plane-polarized light.
  • Optical isomerism is a direct consequence of molecular enantiomorphism.

Noun

1. the relation of opposition between crystals or molecules that are reflections of one another