Stereoisomers
What is Stereoisomers?
Stereoisomers are isomers that have the same molecular formula and the same connectivity (sequence of bonds) between atoms but differ in the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of their atoms. The two main classes are enantiomers (non-superimposable mirror images) and diastereomers (stereoisomers that are not mirror images), which include cis-trans (geometric) isomers and conformational isomers. Stereoisomers can have dramatically different physical properties, biological activities, and chemical reactivities.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Stereoisomers are isomers that have the same molecular formula and the same connectivity (sequence of bonds) between atoms but differ in the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of their atoms. The two main classes are enantiomers (non-superimposable mirror images) and diastereomers (stereoisomers that are not mirror images), which include cis-trans (geometric) isomers and conformational isomers. Stereoisomers can have dramatically different physical properties, biological activities, and chemical reactivities.