Superimposable vs. Non-superimposable, Chiral Carbons, Chiral vs. Achiral, R/S Configuration Flashcards
What does superimposable mean?
The ability for an object to be placed over another object, usually in such a way that both will be visible.
How do you know if two molecules are superimposable?
If you change the conformation of one molecule by rotating its bonds or flipping the structure, which then allow it to perfectly match the other molecule
How do you know if two molecules are non-superimposable?
If the two molecules do not perfectly match no matter how you change the conformation of one molecule by rotating its bond or flipping the structure
What are chiral carbons?
Tetrahedral carbons that have 4 different substitutents
What are chiral molecules?
Compounds that have chiral center AND do not have a plane of symmetry, making it non-superimpossable to their mirror
Chiral Center + NO plane of symmetry
What are achiral molecules?
Compounds with zero chiral centers or have a plane of symmetry, which makes its mirror image superimposable
NO Chiral Center
What are Enantiomers?
Molecules that cannot superimpose with their mirror image
What are the properties of enantiomers?
Have the opposite R/S configuration or opposite wedge-dash notation for all chiral carbon
What are the properties of enantiomers?
Have the opposite R/S configuration or opposite wedge-dash notation for all chiral carbon
What are diasteromers?
Non-superimposable compounds that are not mirror image
What are the properties of diasteromers?
-Molecules with more than one chiral center
- Have at least one opposite R/S configuration or wedge-dash notation for the chiral carbon but NOT FOR ALL
What are epimers?
Special type of diasteromer that differs at only one chiral center but are the same at all other
What is levorotatory?
A compound that rotates the plane of polarized of plane-polarized light in the counterclockwise direction
What is dexttrotatory?
A compound that rotates the plane of polarization of plane-polarized light in clockwise direction
What is the optical activity of enantiomers?
Enantiomer rotate plane-polarized light by exactly the same magnitude but opposite direction.
