Stereogenicznym

Stereogenicznym is a Polish term that translates to "stereogenic" in English. It refers to a specific type of atom or group of atoms within a molecule that gives rise to stereoisomerism. In simpler terms, a stereogenic center is a point in a molecule where the arrangement of atoms can be changed in such a way that it leads to different spatial arrangements of the molecule, without breaking any covalent bonds. The most common example of a stereogenic center is a chiral carbon atom. A carbon atom is chiral if it is bonded to four different atoms or groups of atoms. When such a center exists, the molecule can exist as two or more stereoisomers, which are molecules with the same molecular formula and connectivity but different three-dimensional arrangements of atoms. These stereoisomers are often mirror images of each other, known as enantiomers, or non-mirror image isomers called diastereomers. The presence of stereogenic centers is crucial in many areas of chemistry, particularly organic chemistry and biochemistry, as the specific stereochemistry of a molecule can significantly affect its physical properties and biological activity. For instance, many drugs are chiral, and only one stereoisomer may have the desired therapeutic effect, while the other might be inactive or even harmful.