stereoisomeerits

Stereoisomerism is a term used in chemistry to describe compounds that have the same molecular formula and connectivity of atoms but differ in the three-dimensional arrangement of those atoms. This variation can arise from stereogenic (chiral) centers or from restricted rotation about bonds. Stereoisomers share a formula and bonding pattern yet differ in spatial orientation, and most interconversions between them require breaking bonds rather than simple rotation. The term stereoisomerism is standard; “stereoisomeerits” is a common misspelling.

The main categories are enantiomers, diastereomers, and meso compounds. Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images and typically have identical physical properties except for their interaction with polarized light and with other chiral environments. Diastereomers are not mirror images of each other and can have quite different physical and chemical properties. Meso compounds contain multiple stereocenters but possess an internal symmetry that makes the molecule achiral despite having stereogenic elements.

Geometric isomerism, also called cis-trans or E/Z isomerism, arises from restricted rotation about a carbon–carbon double bond or within cyclic structures. These isomers can have distinct shapes and properties even though their connectivity is the same.

Configurations are usually described using the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (R/S) system for stereocenters and the E/Z system for double bonds. Other forms of stereoisomerism include axial chirality (atropisomerism) and helical chirality.

Applications of stereochemistry are broad, influencing drug design and activity, metabolism, polymer properties, and materials science. Understanding and controlling stereoisomerism is central to synthesis, analysis, and functional performance of many chemical systems.