Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry studies the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in molecules and how that arrangement affects their properties and reactions.

Molecular geometry: The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule. Stereochemistry examines molecular geometry, especially arrangements that distinguish otherwise similar molecules.
Chirality: The property of an object that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image. Chirality is the central distinction behind many stereochemical identities and effects.
Asymmetric synthesis: The formation of products with unequal amounts of stereoisomers, often using a chiral catalyst or reagent. It uses stereochemical principles to favor a desired enantiomer or diastereomer.
Constitutional isomer: A compound with the same molecular formula as another but a different atom-to-atom connectivity. Constitutional isomers differ in connectivity, whereas stereoisomers retain the same connectivity.
Molecular recognition: The selective binding of one molecule by another through complementary structural and chemical interactions. Chiral binding sites can recognize one stereoisomer more strongly than another.
Chemical bonding: The forces and interactions that hold atoms together in molecules and compounds. Bonding determines which molecular arrangements are possible and how atoms connect.
Enantiomer: One of a pair of stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images. Enantiomers share many properties but can behave differently in chiral environments.
Chiral chromatography: A chromatographic method that separates enantiomers through interactions with a chiral stationary phase. It can measure or isolate stereoisomers that ordinary separation methods may not distinguish.
Racemate: An equimolar mixture of two enantiomers that has no net optical rotation under ordinary conditions. A racemate contains chiral molecules but its bulk optical rotation cancels.
Enantioselective catalysis: Catalysis that produces one enantiomer preferentially from an achiral or prochiral starting material. It translates three-dimensional catalyst structure into unequal product formation.

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