What is Stereochemistry: Definition and 16 Discussions

Stereochemistry, a subdiscipline of chemistry, involves the study of the relative spatial arrangement of atoms that form the structure of molecules and their manipulation. The study of stereochemistry focuses on stereoisomers, which by definition have the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms (constitution), but differ in the three-dimensional orientations of their atoms in space. For this reason, it is also known as 3D chemistry—the prefix "stereo-" means "three-dimensionality".An important branch of stereochemistry is the study of chiral molecules. Stereochemistry spans the entire spectrum of organic, inorganic, biological, physical and especially supramolecular chemistry. Stereochemistry includes methods for determining and describing these relationships; the effect on the physical or biological properties these relationships impart upon the molecules in question, and the manner in which these relationships influence the reactivity of the molecules in question (dynamic stereochemistry).

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  1. G

    Chemistry A dilemma with stereochemistry

    The answer to this question are the ones I've marked as shown above. But I'm confused as to how? The first option is okay since it has a chiral carbon with no plane or line of symmetry and shows geometric isomerism too. In the third option, the compound shows Geometrical isomerism but i fail to...
  2. baldbrain

    Eliminating Alcohols: Why Do (A) and (B) Give Different Products?

    Homework Statement I just have a problem with (A) & (B) The attempt at a solution Analysing all possible products; (A) can give 1-pentene (minor) + 2-pentene (major). But you also have the E-Z diastereomers of 2-pentene. So that's total 3 possible products. (B) will give only the...
  3. baldbrain

    How many halogens will be removed in the E2 reactions combined?

    Homework Statement *How many halogens will be removed in the following E2 reactions combined?* The Attempt at a Solution The question's language isn't error free. So, looking at the options, assuming it's *How many halogens will be removed in the following E2 reactions combined?*, the chair...
  4. G

    Finding stereoisomers....confused

    Homework Statement [/B] How many distinct stereoisomers exist for the hexadecanoic acid and oleic acid, respectively? Please choose from one of the following options. 1, 1 1, 2 2, 2 2, 4 Homework Equations None The Attempt at a Solution If you look at the following images of hexadecanoic...
  5. C

    Help with structural formula and absolute configuration

    1. Complete structural formula, identify the absolute configuration of each asymmetric center (if it applies) Bond rotation may be necessary2. Is the first one right? The second one which is Newman must be turned to boat and then I write it in the boat?The Attempt at a Solution : On the paper[/B]
  6. A

    Why does cholesterol have a stereocenter at carbon 2?

    Can anyone explain why cholesterol has a stereocenter at carbon 2? http://www.chemguide.co.uk/basicorg/isomerism/cholesterol2.gif The ring attached right next with the OH group is symetrical.
  7. P

    Mastering Stereochemistry: Enhance Your 3-D Imagination and Excel in Chemistry

    Having a weak 3-D imagination skill,It is one of the areas of chemistry in which I absolutely suck(the other being solid state)..Someone knows any videos that explains the whole chapter using interactive 3D animations?.Please Help me.It is really important for me
  8. C

    Name this amine, including (R,S) stereochemistry

    grey=carbon; white=hydrogen; blue=nitrogen After assigning priorities, I concluded that the carbon attached directly to the nitrogen is an S enantiomer and the carbon attached directly to that carbon (the one not in a ring) is an R enantiomer. I decided to treat the benzene rings as...
  9. M

    How is this correct? (Organic; Stereochemistry)

    Draw Newman projections depicting the (R)-enantiomer of each of the following: a) 1-bromo-1-chloroethane b) 1-bromo-1-methoxypropane Now, I am SURE that I am mistaken, but isn't that an (S)-enantiomer for each? Assigning priorities: For a) Br > Cl > CH3 > H...right? So, wouldn't the...
  10. R

    A Few Organic Chem Questions (Stereochemistry)

    I am currently learning about stereochemistry in my O-chem class. I just have a few questions that I were running through my head. I know there are a lot of questions here, but they're not HW-related at all; my prof. just taught the lecture and I have had these questions on my mind. 1. How...
  11. A

    Reaction to the product stereochemistry

    I need help writing the reaction to the product. I know the wedge and dash are R and S. I am stuck on what to do...please help me Thank you
  12. K

    Why amino acid stereochemistry always L-configuration

    Any known reasons, research, or theories about why earthly amino-acids exist in the L-configuration and have not been found in D-configuration naturally??
  13. rocomath

    Solving Stereochemistry Confusion: Get Help Now!

    Stereochemistry, PLZ HELP! ok far left is the original problem i manipulated it so that hydrogen and cyanide is facing me, but in order to determine R/S configuration. hydrogen must be going away from me, correct? so i flipped it so that it is not going away from me, and i determined it to...
  14. G

    Why are some molecules chiral and others achiral?

    I really don't understand any of this. I already know the answers to these, but I don't know why they are chiral or achiral. Any help is appreciated. http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/Paylardo/Chriality.jpg The "HO" on the far left was cut off. It is just another hydroxyl group.
  15. L

    Chemistry Stereochemistry, molecules, internal symmetry

    Homework Statement Does the molecule in the file attached have an enantiomer? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I think I can draw an internal symmetry plane to divide the molecule into 2 equivalent parts, but then again, it doesn't seem quite right to me. Building...
  16. N

    Stereochemistry of Bromine Addition to trans-Cinnamic Acid

    We determined our melting point to be 199 C. Which would correspond to (2R,2S) and (2S,3R) 2,3-dibromo-3-phenylpropanoic acid (mp 202-204 C) but we are trying to determine whether this is a syn or an anti addition. Any suggestions? Thanks Nautica
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