
What are stereoisomers? Give an example
Answer
444.3k+ views
1 likes
Hint: Isomers are molecules which have the same number of atoms that are the same empirical formula but vary in the way the atoms are arranged.
Complete answer:
Stereoisomers are molecules with the same molecular formula that vary only in how their atoms are structured in three-dimensional space, and there are multiple subcategories under the stereoisomer group. Geometrical isomers and optical isomers are the two major groups of stereoisomers.
-Geometric isomers: Geometric isomers, also known as cis or trans isomers, are stereoisomer types that arise from a double bond or a ring structure.
Examples of geometric isomers are and .
The double bond in each molecule is between carbons and . The methyl groups bound to carbons and are on the same side of the rigid double bond in . The methyl groups of are on opposite sides of the double bond.
-Optical isomers: Optical isomers are molecules with mirror images of their shapes that cannot be superimposed in any direction. These molecules are known as chiral because they lack the plane of symmetry. Enantiomers are the d and l isomers of a compound. In octahedral complexes with or symmetrical bidentate ligands, optical isomerism is normal. Chiral compounds are molecules that are not superimposable mirror images of each other, and this property is known as chirality. A plane of symmetry does not exist in optical isomers.
Example of Optical isomer is
Note:
Stereoisomers that do not mirror images of one another and cannot be superimposed over one another are called diastereomers. Diastereomers are stereoisomers which have two or more stereocenters. It can be difficult to tell whether two molecules are diastereomers or not.
Complete answer:
Stereoisomers are molecules with the same molecular formula that vary only in how their atoms are structured in three-dimensional space, and there are multiple subcategories under the stereoisomer group. Geometrical isomers and optical isomers are the two major groups of stereoisomers.
-Geometric isomers: Geometric isomers, also known as cis or trans isomers, are stereoisomer types that arise from a double bond or a ring structure.
Examples of geometric isomers are
The double bond in each molecule is between carbons
-Optical isomers: Optical isomers are molecules with mirror images of their shapes that cannot be superimposed in any direction. These molecules are known as chiral because they lack the plane of symmetry. Enantiomers are the d and l isomers of a compound. In octahedral complexes with
Example of Optical isomer is
Note:
Stereoisomers that do not mirror images of one another and cannot be superimposed over one another are called diastereomers. Diastereomers are stereoisomers which have two or more stereocenters. It can be difficult to tell whether two molecules are diastereomers or not.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 11 Science PCM | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
CBSE (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹41,848 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 12 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Class 12 Question and Answer - Your Ultimate Solutions Guide

Master Class 12 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Which are the Top 10 Largest Countries of the World?

An example of ex situ conservation is a Sacred grove class 12 biology CBSE

Why is insulin not administered orally to a diabetic class 12 biology CBSE

a Tabulate the differences in the characteristics of class 12 chemistry CBSE

Why is the cell called the structural and functional class 12 biology CBSE

The total number of isomers considering both the structural class 12 chemistry CBSE
