Stereoisomer: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Greek words 'stereos' meaning solid and 'isos' meaning equal, highlighting that these molecules have equal atoms but different structures.
• It was first used in the context of chemistry in the 19th century, illustrating how scientists began to understand molecular structures better.

Science

• Different stereoisomers can have very different properties and effects, such as how one may smell nice while another could be toxic.
• Stereoisomers are important in pharmaceuticals; one form of a medicine may work effectively while another may not, which is crucial in drug design.

Applications

• Stereoisomers play a significant role in the field of fragrance, where specific isomers create different scents.
• Common examples in food chemistry include the different flavors of certain fruits, where stereoisomers can lead to variations in taste.

Literature

• The concept of stereoisomerism has influenced literature in science fiction, where authors explore the idea of substances with properties that differ vastly depending on their geometric arrangements.
• Chemists often write about the adventures of these molecules in educational texts, making complex ideas accessible to new students.

History

• The development of stereochemistry in the 19th century paved the way for modern organic chemistry, helping scientists understand not just the existence of complex molecules but also how they interact.
• Nobel Prize-winning chemists such as Emil Fischer contributed to the understanding of stereoisomers, demonstrating their importance in organic reactions.