ENANTIOMORPHIC Meaning and
Definition
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Enantiomorphic is an adjective used in the field of chemistry and crystallography to describe a property of objects or molecules that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed. In other words, enantiomorphic objects have identical shapes and atomic arrangements, except for their handedness. The term is derived from the Greek words "enantios," meaning opposite, and "morphē," meaning shape or form.
In chemistry, enantiomorphic compounds or isomers are classified as stereoisomers, specifically known as enantiomers. Enantiomers possess distinct physical and chemical properties due to their differing spatial orientation. This property is particularly significant in pharmaceutical and biological applications since enantiomers can have varying effects on living organisms. For instance, one enantiomer of a drug may exhibit therapeutic benefits while the other enantiomer might be toxic or ineffective.
In crystallography, enantiomorphic crystals or enantiomorphs are pairs of crystals that are mirror images of each other but cannot be aligned precisely. They have similar lattice structures and are characterized by mutually opposite orientations. Enantiomorphs often occur in chiral compounds, where the presence of a chiral center gives rise to asymmetry in the crystal lattice.
Overall, enantiomorphic refers to objects, compounds, or crystals that are mirror images of one another yet distinct due to their handedness or differing orientation. The concept of enantiomorphism plays a fundamental role in various scientific fields, including chemistry, crystallography, and pharmacology.
Common Misspellings for ENANTIOMORPHIC
- enantiomorhic
- enantimorophic
- enantimorphic
- enanthimorphic
- inantiomorphic
- enantiomorpic
- enanatiomorphic
- enantiomorphical
Etymology of ENANTIOMORPHIC
The word "enantiomorphic" is derived from two terms: "enantio-" and "-morphic".
- The prefix "enantio-" is derived from the Greek word "enantíos", meaning "opposite" or "contra". It is commonly used in scientific terminology to indicate mirror images or the opposite configuration.
- The suffix "-morphic" is derived from the Greek word "morphḗ", meaning "form" or "shape". It is added to words to indicate "having a specific form" or "resembling a particular shape".
Combining these two components, "enantiomorphic" describes something that has opposite or mirror-image forms or shapes. It is often used in chemistry and crystallography to refer to compounds or objects that exhibit chirality or asymmetry.
