Spatial isomers

Definition

Spatial isomers are molecules with the same molecular formula and connectivity of atoms but differ in the three-dimensional arrangement of those atoms. They include both enantiomers and diastereomers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Spatial isomers have identical molecular formulas but different spatial orientations.
2. Enantiomers are a type of spatial isomer that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.
3. Diastereomers are spatial isomers that are not mirror images of each other.
4. Chirality centers, typically carbon atoms with four different substituents, often lead to the formation of spatial isomers.
5. The physical and chemical properties such as boiling points, melting points, and reactivity can differ significantly between spatial isomers.

Review Questions

Related terms

Enantiomer: One of two spatial isomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

Diastereomer: A type of spatial isomer that is not a mirror image of its counterpart.

Chirality: A property where a molecule has a non-superimposable mirror image, often due to an asymmetric carbon atom.