What is the Difference Between Stereospecific and Stereoselective Reactions?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between stereospecific and stereoselective reactions lies in the stereochemical outcome and the reaction mechanism.
- Stereospecific reactions: These reactions involve a reaction mechanism that leads to different stereoisomeric outcomes or operates on only one (or a subset) of the stereoisomers. In a stereospecific reaction, one stereoisomer of the reactant gives one stereoisomer of the product, while a different stereoisomer of the reactant gives a different stereoisomer of the product.
- Stereoselective reactions: These reactions involve a non-stereospecific mechanism that allows one (or a subset) of the products to be favored over others, due to factors such as steric access that are independent of the mechanism. In a stereoselective reaction, a single reactant can give two or more stereoisomeric products, and one or more of these products is preferred over the others.
In summary, a stereospecific reaction describes the stereochemical outcome of a given reactant, while a stereoselective reaction refers to the reaction outcome where a non-specific mechanism favors one or more stereoisomers over others.
Comparative Table: Stereospecific vs Stereoselective Reactions
The key difference between stereospecific and stereoselective reactions lies in the stereochemical outcomes of the reactions. Here is a table comparing the two types of reactions:
| Feature | Stereospecific Reactions | Stereoselective Reactions |
|---|---|---|
| Products | Produces a specific stereoisomer of the product | Produces multiple stereoisomeric products, with one being more prominent than the others |
| Mechanism | Result of specific reaction mechanisms and geometries | Can be the result of thermal equilibrium, kinetic control, or both |
| Selectivity | Exclusively produces one stereoisomer | Favor the formation of one stereoisomer but can still produce a mixture of stereoisomers |
| Reaction Conditions | Often occurs under ideal conditions | The degree of selectivity depends on the specific reaction conditions |
In summary, stereospecific reactions produce a single stereoisomer as the sole product, while stereoselective reactions favor the formation of one stereoisomer over others but can still produce a mixture of stereoisomers.
- Regioselectivity vs Stereoselectivity
- Chemoselectivity vs Regioselectivity
- Homogeneous vs Heterogeneous Reactions
- Catalytic vs Stoichiometric Reagents
- Synthesis Reaction vs Substitution Reaction
- Structural Isomers vs Stereoisomers
- Prochirality vs Prostereoisomerism
- Diastereomers vs Enantiomers
- SN1 vs SN2 Reactions
- Enantiotopic vs Diastereotopic
- Elimination vs Substitution Reaction
- Synthesis Reaction vs Dissociation Reaction
- Specificity vs Selectivity
- Catalytic vs Non Catalytic Reaction
- SN2 vs E2 Reactions
- Electronic vs Steric Effects
- Constitutional Isomers vs Stereoisomers
- Unimolecular vs Bimolecular Reactions
- E1 vs E2 Reactions