Determine R/S configurations, calculate stereoisomers, and analyze molecular chirality
Chirality: A molecule is chiral if it's non-superimposable on its mirror image. Chiral centers (stereocenters) are typically sp³ carbons with 4 different groups.
Enantiomers: Stereoisomers that are mirror images. They have identical physical properties except rotation of plane-polarized light (optical activity). In biology, only one enantiomer is often active.
Diastereomers: Stereoisomers that are NOT mirror images. They have different physical and chemical properties (melting points, solubility, reactivity).
R/S System: Absolute configuration based on Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules. Higher atomic number = higher priority. Clockwise (1→2→3 with lowest priority away) = R. Counterclockwise = S.
Stereochemistry studies the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in molecules. Understanding stereoisomers, chiral centers, and absolute configuration is crucial in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences.