Enantiomers

Enantiomers (pronounced: en-an-tee-oh-mers) are a pair of molecules that are mirror images of each other, but are not superimposable. They are a type of stereoisomer and are important in many areas, including biochemistry, pharmacology, and agrochemistry.

Etymology

The term "enantiomer" comes from the Greek enantios (opposite) and meros (part).

Definition

Enantiomers are a type of chiral molecules. They are pairs of molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. This means that, despite having the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms, they are different in three-dimensional orientations. This difference often leads to different chemical reactions with other chiral molecules.

Properties

Enantiomers have identical physical properties except for the direction in which they rotate polarized light and how they interact with different optical isomers of other compounds. One enantiomer will rotate the plane of polarized light clockwise, and the other will rotate it counterclockwise.

Importance in Biochemistry

In biochemistry, enantiomers are crucial because the human body often contains enzymes that react to one enantiomer but not the other. This is why some drugs must be made of only one enantiomer to be effective.

Importance in Pharmacology

In pharmacology, the different enantiomers of a molecule often have different biological effects. This is because the specific three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule is important for its interactions with biological systems.

Importance in Agrochemistry

In agrochemistry, enantiomers are important because many pesticides and herbicides are chiral molecules. The different enantiomers can have different levels of activity, toxicity, and environmental behavior.

Related Terms

• Chirality
• Stereoisomer
• Optical isomer
• Racemic mixture

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Enantiomers
• Wikipedia's article - Enantiomers

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