Difference Between Enantiomers and Diastereomers
Difference Between Enantiomers and Diastereomers, enantiomers are like a pair of molecules that are mirror images but can't be perfectly matched up. On the other hand, diastereomers are molecules that share some similarities but have differences too.
Praveen Kushwah9 Jun, 2025
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Difference Between Enantiomers and Diastereomers: In the upcoming NEET exam, understanding the NEET syllabus is very crucial, the differences between enantiomers and diastereomers is a key topic in chemistry, therefore, we need to pay special attention.
Enantiomers are like a pair of molecules that are mirror images but can't be perfectly matched up. On the other hand, diastereomers are molecules that share some similarities but have differences too. Grasping these differences is super important for NEET, helping you to unlock the behavior molecules.Difference Between Enantiomers and Diastereomers Overview
Enantiomers and diastereomers are distinct classes of stereoisomers. It plays a crucial role in understanding molecular structures. Enantiomers are mirror images that cannot be superimposed, featuring opposite configurations. On the other hand, diastereomers exhibit different configurations at some chiral centers. These aspects clarify the difference in the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules. The below table has all the details including definition, chirality, number of stereo centers, and much more.| Difference Between Enantiomers and Diastereomers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Parameter | Enantiomers | Diastereomers |
| Definition | Mirror images of each other, non-superimposable. | Stereoisomers that are not mirror images. |
| Chirality | Opposite configuration at all chiral centers. | Opposite configuration at some, but not all, chiral centers. |
| Optical Activity | Equal and opposite optical rotation. | May or may not have equal and opposite optical rotation. |
| Number of Stereo Centers | Same number and configuration of stereocenters. | Same or different number and configuration of stereocenters. |
| Symmetry | Generally asymmetric, lacking internal symmetry. | Can have internal symmetry or exhibit asymmetric features. |
| Mirror Image | Non-superimposable mirror images. | Non-superimposable, but not mirror images. |
| Relationship | Enantiomers are a special case of diastereomers. | Diastereomers include enantiomers but are broader. |
| Physical Properties | Identical physical properties, except for optical activity. | Often different physical properties. |
| Naming Convention | Named using R/S or D/L nomenclature. | Named using cis/trans or E/Z nomenclature. |
| Example Molecules | L- and D-alanine. | (2R,3S)-2,3-dibromobutane and (2S,3S)-2,3-dibromobutane. |
What are Enantiomers?
Enantiomers are like a pair of molecules that are mirror images of each other but can't be perfectly stacked on top. Imagine your left and right hands—they're mirror images, but you can't make them perfectly overlap. Examples: Think of L-alanine and D-alanine as two molecules that are mirror images but can't be superimposed. Another example is when a molecule has a few special spots with different arrangements.What are Diastereomers
Diastereomers are like molecules that are not mirror images, they have some parts matching but others don't. Imagine two friends who look a bit similar but are not twins.Examples : If you have a molecule with two spots where atoms can be arranged differently, and you make two versions with one spot the same and the other different, those are diastereomers. Like having two toys that look alike but have different stickers on them.
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Difference Between Enantiomers and Diastereomers FAQs
How can you distinguish between enantiomers and diastereomers?
Enantiomers are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed. They have opposite configurations at all chiral centers. Diastereomers, on the other hand, are not mirror images and differ in configuration at some, but not all, chiral centers. Distinguishing them often involves comparing the spatial arrangement of atoms around chiral centers.
What is the difference between epimers, diastereomers, and enantiomers?
Epimers are a type of diastereomer that differ in the configuration around only one chiral center. Diastereomers have different configurations at some chiral centers, while enantiomers are mirror images with opposite configurations at all chiral centers.
What is an example of a diastereomer?
An example of diastereomers is the pair (2R,3S)-2,3-dibromobutane and (2S,3S)-2,3-dibromobutane. They have different configurations at some chiral centers but are not mirror images.
Are enantiomers and diastereomers both chiral?
Yes, both enantiomers and diastereomers involve chiral molecules. Chirality arises from the presence of asymmetric carbon atoms, also known as chiral centers, in the molecular structure. Enantiomers and diastereomers differ in how they relate to each other in terms of mirror symmetry and configuration around these chiral centers.
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