Definition of the Enantiomers:
- Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.
- They have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement of groups around chiral centers.
Key characteristics:
- Same physical properties (boiling point, melting point, solubility, etc.)
- Same chemical properties in achiral environments.
- Opposite optical rotation: One is dextrorotatory (+), the other is levorotatory (−)
- Rotate plane-polarized light in equal magnitude but opposite directions.
Examples:
- Lactic acid (CH₃–CH(OH)–COOH):
- The central carbon has four different groups, making it chiral.
- Two enantiomers exist:
- (R)-lactic acid: rotates light in one direction
- (S)-lactic acid: rotates light in the opposite direction
Advertisements
Thank you for reading from Firsthope's notes, don't forget to check YouTube videos!
