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 | ||
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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. |
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.