Stereoisomer: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers specifically to isomers that have the same bond structure but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms.

• Glucose and fructose are stereoisomers because they have the same molecular formula but different three-dimensional arrangements.
• The drug thalidomide has stereoisomers, one of which was safe, while the other caused severe birth defects.

Used in chemistry to refer to a compound that has stereoisomers, highlighting the importance of spatial arrangement in the compound’s properties.

• Stereoisomeric compounds can exhibit different optical activities due to their spatial arrangement.
• The pharmaceutical industry often studies stereoisomeric compounds to understand their different effects on the human body.

Used in chemistry to refer to molecules with the same molecular formula but different structures or arrangements of atoms.

• Ethanol and dimethyl ether are isomers with the same molecular formula but different structures.
• Isomers can have very different chemical properties despite having the same formula.

Use when discussing molecules that have the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms, but different 3D orientations.

• The two compounds are stereoisomers because they have different spatial arrangements of their atoms.
• We studied the properties of various stereoisomers in our chemistry class.

Use when referring to a type of stereoisomerism where the isomers have different spatial arrangements due to restricted rotation around a bond, like in alkenes.

• Cis and trans forms of alkenes are classic examples of geometric isomers.
• Geometric isomers often have different physical properties like boiling points.

Use when referring to a specific compound that is one of several stereoisomers.

• The drug's effectiveness can vary depending on which stereoisomeric compound is used.
• Each stereoisomeric compound can have unique biological activity.