What are Enantiomers?
Enantiomers are a pair of molecules that exist as non-superimposable mirror images of each other. Despite being chemically identical in all other respects, enantiomers exhibit a fundamental difference in their spatial arrangement, leading to distinct optical properties. When dissolved in a solution, enantiomers rotate polarized light either in a dextrorotatory (+) or levorotatory (-) direction, a characteristic feature termed optical activity. In equal proportions, enantiomers form a racemic mixture, wherein their optical activities cancel each other out, resulting in no net rotation of polarized light.
Enantiomer Definition
Enantiomers are mirror-image stereoisomers with identical molecular structures, distinguished by their non-superimposable nature. They possess a chiral center and exhibit unique optical activities, impacting their interactions with light and biological systems. Despite sharing similar properties, enantiomers are fundamentally different due to their distinct spatial arrangements.
Enantiomers
Enantiomers are pairs of molecules with identical chemical composition but non-superimposable mirror images. They exhibit different optical activities and interact uniquely with polarized light. Their distinctive spatial arrangements around chiral centers result in unique properties, notably in their interaction with light.
In this article, we will learn about the definition of an enantiomer, its properties, various examples of enantiomers, and the difference between enantiomers, chirality, stereoisomers, and diastereomers.
Table of Content
- What are Enantiomers?
- Structure of Enantiomers
- Chirality and Stereochemistry
- R and S Enantiomer
- Enantiomers vs Stereoisomers