STEREOGENIC CENTER Meaning and
Definition
-
A stereogenic center, also known as a stereocenter or chiral center, is a specific atom within a molecule that possesses four different groups or atoms bonded to it. This asymmetry gives rise to the ability of the molecule to exist as two distinct mirror-image forms called enantiomers. In other words, a stereogenic center creates chirality within a molecule.
The presence of a stereogenic center is essential in determining the overall chirality of a molecule. It is characterized by a carbon atom that is bonded to four distinct groups, such as hydrogen, alkyl groups, or functional groups. These groups can be either arranged in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner around the central atom, resulting in two non-superimposable mirror-image isomers.
The presence of a stereogenic center is crucial in various fields of chemistry, especially biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and drug development. Enantiomers can exhibit different interactions with biological systems, leading to different physiological effects. The separation and identification of enantiomers are of utmost importance in drug synthesis, as the biological activity of a molecule can greatly depend on its chirality.
To summarize, a stereogenic center refers to a specific atom within a molecule, typically a carbon atom, that is bonded to four different groups. This asymmetry gives rise to chirality, with the molecule existing as two distinct mirror-image forms. The presence of a stereogenic center impacts the molecule's biological activity and is significant in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and drug development.
Etymology of STEREOGENIC CENTER
The word "stereogenic center" is derived from two separate components - "stereo-" and "genic center".
1. "Stereo-" comes from the Greek word "stereos", meaning solid or three-dimensional. In the context of chemistry, "stereo-" refers to the arrangement of atoms or groups of atoms in three-dimensional space.
2. "Genic center" is a compound formed from the terms "gen-" and "center". "Gen-" is derived from the Greek word "gignesthai", meaning to be born or to arise. "Center" refers to a point or place that is central or core to something.
When combined, "stereogenic center" refers to a specific atom within a molecule that gives rise to stereoisomers, which are molecules with the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement of their atoms or groups around the central atom.
