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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Diastereomers and Enantiomers?

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The main difference between diastereomers and enantiomers lies in their mirror image properties and the structures of the molecules they represent. Here is a comparison of their key characteristics:

  • Enantiomers:
  • Molecules that exist in two forms that are mirror images of one another but cannot be superimposed one upon the other.
  • Have identical physical properties, except for the ability to rotate plane-polarized light.
  • Present in pairs.
  • Similar molecular shape.
  • Optically active due to the presence of chiral centers.
  • Diastereomers:
  • Compounds with the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded elements but are non-superimposable non-mirror images.
  • Have distinct physical properties.
  • Can be several molecules.
  • Different molecular shape.
  • Optically active due to the presence of chiral centers.

In summary, enantiomers are mirror images of each other, while diastereomers are non-superimposable non-mirror images of a molecule. Both are types of stereoisomers, which differ in the spatial arrangement of their structures, and share the same molecular formula.

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  • What is the Difference Between Diastereomers and Enantiomers?
  • Comparative Table: Diastereomers vs Enantiomers

    • Comparative Table: Diastereomers vs Enantiomers

    Here is a table comparing the differences between diastereomers and enantiomers:

    Property Enantiomers Diastereomers
    Definition Enantiomers are a pair of molecules that are mirror images of one another and are not superimposable. Diastereomers are stereoisomers with the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms, but they are not mirror images of each other.
    Stereocenters Enantiomers have one or two stereocenters. Diastereomers have two or more stereocenters.
    Physical Properties Enantiomers have identical physical properties except for the ability to rotate plane-polarized light. Diastereomers have distinct physical properties.
    Molecular Shape Enantiomers have a similar molecular shape. Diastereomers have different molecular shapes.

    In summary, enantiomers are mirror images of each other and have identical physical properties, while diastereomers are non-mirror images with distinct physical properties and different molecular shapes.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.