Stereoisomer
Stereoisomer
Stereoisomer (/stɛriːoʊˈaɪsəmər/) is a term used in chemistry to describe a type of isomer where the atoms making up the isomers are the same, but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms in the molecule. The term originates from the Greek words "stereos" meaning solid, and "isos" meaning equal, and "meros" meaning part.
Types of Stereoisomers
There are two main types of stereoisomers: enantiomers and diastereomers.
- Enantiomers are mirror images of each other, similar to left and right hands. They are non-superimposable on each other.
- Diastereomers are not mirror images of each other and they are also non-superimposable.
Properties of Stereoisomers
Stereoisomers have the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms (constitution), but differ in the three-dimensional orientations of their atoms in space. This difference may cause them to have different chemical reactivity and physical properties.
Importance of Stereoisomers in Medicine
Stereoisomers are of great importance in several fields, especially in pharmacology, as the different spatial arrangements can result in different biological activity. For example, one stereoisomer of a drug may have the desired therapeutic effect while the other may be inactive or even harmful.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stereoisomer
- Wikipedia's article - Stereoisomer
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