Subdisciplines of Stereochemistry

Static Stereochemistry  

Studies the 3‑dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule in its ground state.  

Dynamic Stereochemistry  

Describes the steric relationships in molecules as they change from one state to another.  

Structure in Stereochemistry  

- Structure includes both constitution and configuration.  

  - Constitution: The kinds and order of bonds and atoms in a compound.  

  - Configuration: The different spatial arrangements of atoms in a compound with a given constitution.  

Key Concepts  

Stereoisomerism: Compounds with the same connectivity but different spatial arrangements.  

Enantiomers: Non‑superimposable image and mirror image forms.  

Diastereomers: Stereoisomers that are not mirror images.  

Conformation: Different spatial arrangements of atoms/groups due to rotation around single bonds (torsion).  

Isomers: Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures.  

Classification of Isomers  

1. Constitutional (Structural) Isomers  

Differ in the connectivity of atoms.  

Types:  

  - Chain isomers  

  - Positional isomers  

  - Functional isomers  

  - Invertomers  

  - Metamers  

  - Tautomers  

2. Stereoisomers  

Same connectivity, different spatial arrangement.  

Divided into:  

  - Configurational isomers  

    - Geometric isomers (cis/trans, E/Z)  

    - Optical isomers  

       - Enantiomers  

       - Diastereomers  

  - Conformational isomers (arising from bond rotation)