How Do You Spell STEREOISOMERISM?

Pronunciation: [stˈɛɹɪˌə͡ʊɪsəməɹˌɪzəm] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Stereoisomerism" can be a bit tricky. The first part "stereo" is pronounced /ˈstɛriəʊ/ with emphasis on the second syllable. This refers to the arrangement of atoms or molecules in three-dimensional space. The second part "isomerism" is pronounced /aɪˈsɒmərɪzəm/ with emphasis on the third syllable. This refers to the fact that certain chemical compounds can exist in different forms with the same molecular formula. Together, stereoisomerism describes the phenomenon where molecules have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in their three-dimensional arrangement.

STEREOISOMERISM Meaning and Definition

1. Stereoisomerism is a term used in chemistry to describe a type of isomerism where the compounds have the same molecular formula and connectivity of atoms, but differ in their spatial arrangement of atoms. In other words, stereoisomers are molecules that have the same atoms bonded together in the same order, but differ in how these atoms are arranged in three-dimensional space.

   There are two main types of stereoisomerism: geometric isomerism and optical isomerism. Geometric isomerism, also known as cis-trans isomerism, occurs when molecules have restricted rotation around a bond and exhibit different spatial arrangements. This commonly occurs in molecules with a double bond or a ring structure. On the other hand, optical isomerism occurs when molecules possess a chiral center, which is an asymmetric carbon atom bonded to four different groups. Optical isomers, also called enantiomers, exist as mirror images of each other and cannot be superimposed.

   Stereoisomerism is an important concept in organic chemistry as it accounts for the different properties and behaviors exhibited by stereoisomers. For instance, optical isomers have the ability to rotate the plane of polarized light in opposite directions, making them optically active. Additionally, stereochemistry plays a crucial role in biological systems, as the interaction between stereoisomers and biomolecules, such as enzymes, can have significant implications in terms of drug effectiveness, toxicity, and bioavailability.

   Understanding stereochemistry and being able to differentiate between stereoisomers is essential in various fields of chemistry, including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and material science.

2. The condition in which two or more substances, having the same molecular and constitutional formulas, differ in physical properties; these differences are due to different spatial arrangements of the atoms or radicals in relation to the carbon atom.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for STEREOISOMERISM

• atereoisomerism
• ztereoisomerism
• xtereoisomerism
• dtereoisomerism
• etereoisomerism
• wtereoisomerism
• srereoisomerism
• sfereoisomerism
• sgereoisomerism
• syereoisomerism
• s6ereoisomerism
• s5ereoisomerism
• stwreoisomerism
• stsreoisomerism
• stdreoisomerism
• strreoisomerism
• st4reoisomerism
• st3reoisomerism
• steeeoisomerism
• stedeoisomerism

Etymology of STEREOISOMERISM

The word "stereoisomerism" is derived from two parts: "stereo-" and "isomerism".

1. "Stereo-" comes from the Greek word "stereos" meaning solid or three-dimensional. In the context of stereochemistry, it refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms or groups in a molecule.

2. "Isomerism" is derived from the Greek word "isomeros", where "iso-" means equal and "meros" means part or share. Isomerism refers to the phenomenon of compounds having the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements or spatial orientations.

Therefore, "stereoisomerism" refers to the type of isomerism where compounds have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in their spatial arrangement of atoms or groups.