What are stereoisomers in organic chemistry?
In isomerism: Stereoisomers. Generally defined, stereoisomers are isomers that have the same composition (that is, the same parts) but that differ in the orientation of those parts in space. There are two kinds of stereoisomers: enantiomers and diastereomers.
How do you find the number of stereoisomers in an organic compound?
The formula for finding the maximum number of stereoisomers X is X = 2n, where n is the number of stereogenic atoms in the molecule. The formula X = 2n reliably gives the maximum number of stereoisomers, but in situations of high symmetry it fails to give the real number.
What are stereoisomers and how they can be classified?
Stereoisomers Definition Isomers that comprise the same parts but differ in spatial orientation are termed as stereoisomers. These isomers can be classified into two types- enantiomers and diastereomers.
How do you classify stereoisomers?
Stereoisomers are molecules that share the same molecular formula and arrangement of atoms, but differ from one another in 3-dimensional space. Geometric isomers and isomers containing an asymmetric center are the two main subcategories of stereoisomers.
How do you find the number of stereoisomers?
If a molecule has two stereocenters, there should be four possible stereoisomers. If a molecule has three stereocenters, there should be a maximum of eight stereoisomers. So, the maximum number of stereoisomers for a particular constitution is 2n, when n is the number of chiral centers.
What is the importance of stereoisomerism?
Another good example of the importance of stereochemistry is pharmaceutical production and the break down of drugs in the body. Most drugs are often composed of a single stereoisomer of a compound, and while one stereoisomer may have positive effects on the body the other may have negative effects.