Enantiomers

Definition

Enantiomers are a pair of molecules that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed. They often have identical physical properties but can interact differently with biological systems and polarized light.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enantiomers differ in the spatial arrangement around an asymmetric carbon atom.
2. They exhibit optical activity, meaning they rotate plane-polarized light in opposite directions.
3. Biological systems can distinguish between enantiomers, leading to different effects in biochemical reactions.
4. One enantiomer of a drug may be therapeutic while the other could be inactive or even harmful.
5. The presence of enantiomers is a key consideration in pharmaceutical drug design.

Review Questions

• What is the main structural difference between two enantiomers?
• How do enantiomers interact with plane-polarized light?
• Why is it important to consider enantiomers in drug design?

Related terms

Chirality:

Chirality refers to the property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image, often due to an asymmetric carbon atom.

Stereoisomerism: Stereoisomerism involves compounds with the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms but differing in three-dimensional orientations.

Optical Activity: Optical activity is the ability of chiral compounds to rotate plane-polarized light, a characteristic feature of enantiomers.