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Enantiomers |
Chapter 7 : Stereochemistry |
Isomeric molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images are enantiomers.
You should be able to draw these molecules, as given below the Chime images, and indicate how they are mirror images!
(R)-2-chlorobutane (S)-2-chlorobutane
Enantiomers are known as chiral molecules (derived from the Greek meaning hand), therefore, a molecule that is superimposable on its mirror image should be achiral.
You should be able to draw the two mirror images of an achiral molecule and then see how if you rotate one of the images the two molecules are actually the same.
A mixture containing equal quantities of enantiomers is called a racemate or a racemic mixture.
Enantiomers are characterised
by the presence of a stereogenic center.