Stereochemistry definitions

Question 1

stereoisomer

Answer 1

• same molecular formula
• same connectivity of the atoms
• different arrangement in 3D space
• cannot be turned into each other without breaking a covalent bond

Question 2

enantiomer

Answer 2

• type of stereoisomer
• are NOT identical/ not superimposable
• are mirror images
• come in pairs

Question 3

diastereomer

Answer 3

• type of stereoisomer

- are NOT mirror images

Question 4

chiral

Answer 4

• an object or molecule that is NOT identical/ superimposable with its mirror image (its enantiomer)

Question 5

achiral

Answer 5

• an object or molecule that IS identical/ superimposable with its mirror image

Question 6

cis stereoisomer

Answer 6

• has identical groups on the SAME side of a ring or C=C

Question 7

trans stereoisomer

Answer 7

• has identical groups on the OPPOSITE side of a ring or C=C

Question 8

chiral carbon

aka chirality center, stereogenic center

Answer 8

• carbon with 4 single bonds to 4 different atoms/ groups
• can never be a CH2 (methylene) or CH3 (methyl)
• can never be involved in a multiple bond