Enantiomer

Definition

Enantiomers are pairs of molecules that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed onto one another, similar to left and right hands. They often have identical physical properties but can exhibit different behaviors in chiral environments, such as interactions with polarized light or biological molecules.

Related terms

Chirality:

A characteristic of a molecule that has a non-superimposable mirror image, much like human hands being non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

Optical activity: The property of rotating the plane of polarized light, which is exhibited differently by each enantiomer due to their distinct spatial arrangements.

Stereocenter:

An atom in a molecule that is bonded to four different groups, creating an environment where enantiomers can exist due to varied spatial arrangements around this central atom