Isomerism: Constitutional Isomers and Stereoisomers Constitutional Isomers = same molecular formula, different connectedness Stereoisomers = same molecular formula, same connectivity of atoms but different arrangement of atoms in space
Chapter 5
Stereochemistry: Chiral Molecules
Two types of stereoisomers
Constitutional Isomers - Review 1.
Same molecular formula – different bond connectivities Examp les of Constitutional Isomers formu la
constitutional isomers
C3H8O
OH CH3CH2CH2OH CH3CHCH3
C4H10
CH3CH2CH2CH3
CH3CHCH3 CH3
2.
Enantiomers: stereoisomers whose molecules are nonsuperposable mirror images Diastereomers: stereoisomers whose molecules are not mirror images of each other è Example: cis and trans double bond isomers
è Example: cis and trans cycloalkane isomers
Always different properties Very different properties if different functional groups
Enantiomers and Chiral Molecules
Mirror images = handedness
t Chiral molecule - has the property of handedness l Not superposable on its mirror image l Can exist as a pair of enantiomers
t Pair of enantiomers l A chiral molecule and its mirror image
t Achiral molecule l Superposable on its mirror image
Left hand cannot be superimposed on the right hand
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