Stereo Isomerism
Stereo Isomerism
Stereo Isomerism
Lecture Overview
Definition of Isomerism Subdivision of Isomers
Constitutional Isomers Stereoisomers
Geometric Isomers Diastereoisomers Enantiomers and chirality
Constitutional Isomers
Also called Structural Isomers. Same molecular formula, but different arrangements of atoms in space. Different Connectivities May result in different physical and chemical properties.
Question Time
How many Constitutional Isomers are there for a substance with the chemical formula: C5H12 ?
A: 1 B: 2 C: 3 D: 4 E: 5
Pentane
2-methylbutane
2,2 -dimethylpropane
Stereoisomers
All atoms are the same all bonds are the same, but how they are arranged in space is different. Look at several different types Geometric Diastereomers Enatiomers
Geometric Isomerism
Considering molecules which have double bonds. Cannot rotate freely about double bond, therefore position is fixed in space. Gives rise to cis and trans isomerism
CIS
TRANS
E-Z Isomerism
Can we assign whether this molecule is cis or trans? Assign E or Z status instead When multiple functional groups substituted on double bond assign the group with highest priority at each atom of the double bond. Group with highest priority is the one with biggest atomic number. If groups on same side say the molecule has Z configuration. If groups on opposite sides of double bond molecule has E configuration.
Enantiomers
Compounds have identical atoms Compounds have identical bonds. They tend to have identical physical properties therefore difficult to separate They are non superimposable mirror images of one another Exist as pairs of molecules (enantiomeric pairs)
Chirality
For enantiomers to exist there must be at least one chiral atom. Focus on Chiral Carbon atoms For Carbon to be chiral it must be connected to 4 different atoms. If a molecule has a plane of symmetry it cannot be chiral (there cannot be any enantiomers).
3
CH 3
1. Assign Priorities based on Atomic Number 2. Redraw structure so that lowest priority is pointing away from you 3. Starting at 1 and moving from 2 to 3 draw arrows on your structure
4 1
Coming out of page towards you
Br H
Br Cl
1 2
If your arrows travel in an clockwise direction your chiral centre has r (rectus) configuration If your arrows travel in an anti-clockwise direction your chiral centre has s (sinister) configuration
Question Time
Assign the configuration of the molecule given below according to CIP rules and draw the other half of the enantiomeric pair.
H H3 C CH3 OH
1
CH3 OH
3 2 1
H3 C
OH H CH3
4 3
H3 C
Assign Priorities
1
OH H
H3 C
CH3
Clockwise r-butan-2-ol
D and L Nomenclature
D is shorthand for dextrorotatory i.e. the enantiomer rotates the plane of plane polarised light in clockwise direction L is shothand for levorotatory i.e. the enantiomer rotates the plane of plane polarised light in an anti-clockwise direction Used frequently in biological systems (CIP is more prevalent in chemistry) in conjunction with Fischer Projections of sugars.
Fischer Projection: D form OH on chiral atom on the right. L form OH on chiral atom on the left.
Unusual Compound: Nature normally produces a single enantiomer. Where is the chiral carbon?
Thalidomide
Further Reading
Chemistry for the Biosciences, the essential concepts, Crowe Bradshaw and Monk (Chpt.12) Chemistry, Timberlake (Chpt.12.6)
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to the concept of isomerism Define the terms constitutional isomer, geometric isomer, diastereoisomer and enantiomer. Able to distinguish between, and draw, cis and trans, E and Z geometric isomers Understand the concept of chirality and its importance in medicine Use Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules to determine chirality of a molecule. Appreciate the use of alternative chiral nomenclatures e.g. +/- or D/L.