What is Stereoisomerism in simple words?

In stereochemistry, stereoisomerism, or spatial isomerism, is a form of isomerism in which molecules have the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms (constitution), but differ in the three-dimensional orientations of their atoms in space.

How do you know if something is a stereoisomer?

One stereoisomer, called the cis stereoisomer, has both of the double-bond hydrogens on the same side of the double bond, while the other stereoisomer, called the trans stereoisomer, has the two hydrogens on opposite sides of the double bond.

What causes Stereoisomerism?

Optical isomers are stereoisomers formed when asymmetric centers are present, for example, a carbon with four different groups bonded to it. Enantiomers are two optical isomers (i.e. isomers that are reflections of each other). Every stereocenter in one isomer has the opposite configuration in the other.

Why do stereoisomers exist?

These molecules derive their importance from the energy they carry, mainly in a form of potential energy between atomic molecules. This is due to the fact that stereoisomers are isomers because their atoms are different from others in terms of spatial arrangement.

What is Stereoisomerism Slideshare?

Stereoisomers differ only in the way the atoms are oriented in space. They have identical IUPAC names (except for a prefix like cis or trans). They always have the same functional group(s). • A particular three-dimensional arrangement is called a configuration. • Stereoisomers differ in configuration.

What are conformational stereoisomers?

In chemistry, conformational isomerism is a form of stereoisomerism in which the isomers can be interconverted just by rotations about formally single bonds (refer to figure on single bond rotation).

Why are stereoisomers important?

If they are exact mirror images they are called enantiomers, otherwise they are called diastereomers. Stereoisomers are critically important in biochemistry and medicine because nearly every biological molecule – amino acids, sugars, fats, enzymes, etc – has one or more stereoisomer.