stereoisomer
Definition
- Noun (Chemistry):
- A "stereoisomer" is a compound that has the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms (constitution) as another compound, but differs in the three-dimensional orientation of its atoms in space. This means the atoms are connected in the same order, but their spatial arrangement is different.
Usage Examples
- (They are stereoisomers because their atoms are arranged differently in space.)
- (Different spatial forms of the same molecule can affect how they interact with living systems.)
Advanced Usage
"Geometric stereoisomer": a subtype of stereoisomer that arises from restricted rotation around a bond, such as cis–trans isomers.
- Cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene are geometric stereoisomers. (They differ in the relative positions of substituents around a double bond.)
"Optical stereoisomer": a subtype of stereoisomer that is optically active, meaning it rotates plane-polarized light; often called an enantiomer.
- Lactic acid exists as two optical stereoisomers that are mirror images of each other. (They are non-superimposable mirror images.)
Variants and Related Words
Stereoisomerism (n): the phenomenon of having stereoisomers.
- Stereoisomerism is a key concept in organic chemistry. (The existence of compounds with the same connectivity but different spatial arrangements.)
Stereoisomeric (adj): relating to or characteristic of stereoisomers.
- The stereoisomeric forms of the drug have different effects. (The different spatial forms of the drug.)
Synonyms
- Spatial isomer: a less common term for stereoisomer, emphasizing the difference in spatial arrangement.
- Configurational isomer: a synonym that highlights the difference in configuration (arrangement of atoms around a chiral center or double bond).
Related Idioms
- "Mirror-image isomer": a common phrase for enantiomers, which are stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images.
- The two stereoisomers are mirror-image isomers, like your left and right hands. (They are enantiomers.)