stereoisomer Definition
- 1any of two or more compounds that are composed of the same atoms but differ in the spatial arrangement of these atoms and cannot be superimposed on one another
- 2a compound exhibiting stereoisomerism
Using stereoisomer: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "stereoisomer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The two forms of tartaric acid are stereoisomers.
Example
Cisplatin and carboplatin are stereoisomers used as chemotherapy drugs.
Example
Enantiomers are a type of stereoisomer that are mirror images of each other.
Origins of stereoisomer
from stereo-, meaning 'solid' or 'three-dimensional', and isomer, meaning 'equal'
Summary: stereoisomer in Brief
A stereoisomer [ster-ee-oh-ahy-suh-mer, steer-] is a compound made up of the same atoms as another compound but with a different spatial arrangement. This results in two or more compounds that cannot be superimposed on one another. Examples include tartaric acid and cisplatin, which are used as chemotherapy drugs. Enantiomers are a type of stereoisomer that are mirror images of each other.
