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The molecular configuration of a molecule is the permanent geometry that results from the spatial arrangement of its bonds. [1] The ability of the same set of atoms to form two or more molecules with different configurations is stereoisomerism.
Stereochemistry, a subdiscipline of chemistry, studies the spatial arrangement of atoms that form the structure of molecules and their manipulation. [1] The study of stereochemistry focuses on the relationships between stereoisomers, which are defined as having the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms (constitution) but differing in the geometric positioning of the atoms in space.
Le Bel-van't Hoff rule states that for a structure with n asymmetric carbon atoms, there is a maximum of 2 n different stereoisomers possible. As an example, D-glucose is an aldohexose and has the formula C 6 H 12 O 6. Four of its six carbon atoms are stereogenic, which means D-glucose is one of 2 4 =16 possible stereoisomers. [20] [21]
For octahedral complexes of formula MX 4 Y 2, two isomers also exist. (Here M is a metal atom, and X and Y are two different types of ligands .) In the cis isomer, the two Y ligands are adjacent to each other at 90°, as is true for the two chlorine atoms shown in green in cis -[Co(NH 3 ) 4 Cl 2 ] + , at left.
The possibilities for different isomers continue to multiply as more stereocenters are added to a molecule. In general, the number of stereoisomers of a molecule can be determined by calculating 2 n, where n = the number of chiral centers in the molecule. This holds true except in cases where the molecule has meso forms.
[2] [3] Stereocenters can exist on chiral or achiral molecules; stereocenters can contain single bonds or double bonds. [1] The number of hypothetical stereoisomers can be predicted by using 2 n, with n being the number of tetrahedral stereocenters; however, exceptions such as meso compounds can reduce the prediction to below the expected 2 n. [4]
As an example, four of the carbon atoms of the aldohexose class of molecules are asymmetric, therefore the Le Bel–Van 't Hoff rule gives a calculation of 2 4 = 16 stereoisomers. This is indeed the case: these chemicals are two enantiomers each of eight different diastereomers : allose , altrose , glucose , mannose , gulose , idose , galactose ...
In chemistry, isomers are molecules or polyatomic ions with identical molecular formula – that is, the same number of atoms of each element – but distinct arrangements of atoms in space. [1] Isomerism refers to the existence or possibility of isomers. Isomers do not necessarily share similar chemical or physical properties.