Stereoisomerism by Grace Cozby

Definitions Enantiomers-non super imposable mirror images of each other Superimposable-the compounds can be placed on top of each other and match perfectly Non-superimposable- the compounds can not be placed on top of each other or match perfectly Handedness-Enantiomers are sometimes called this because just as our hands are mirror images of each other so are enantiomersIn a line and wedge drawing you use not only dashes, but dotted lines to show something is behind and small wedge to show something is in front Stereoisomers happen when carbon has four different groups attached

Bromochloroiodomethane

CCl(I)(Br)HCarbon is represented by black

Hydrogen is represented by whiteBromine is represented by green

Iodine is represented by redChlorine is represented by blue

Bromochloroiodomethane

The left is the original Bromochloroiodomethane and on

the right is its mirror image.

This handedness is what makes Bromochloroiodomethane an enantiomer or stereosiomer

Stereoisomerism fun fact

Stereoisomers influence how we taste things. For example,

leucine (an amino acid) has two enantiomers that have two

different tastes: bitter and sweet. This is simply caused by being mirror images of each other.

Leucine

Stereoisomers are isomers that are mirror images of each otherStereoisomers occur when carbon has four different groups attachedStereoisomers have many medical and domestic applications.

Conclusion