- Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. They have identical physical properties except for the direction in which they rotate plane-polarized light.
- Diastereomers are stereoisomers that are not mirror images. They have different physical properties, such as melting point, boiling point, and solubility.
- To identify enantiomers, check if the molecules are mirror images and cannot be superimposed. If they are, they are enantiomers.
- To identify diastereomers, look for molecules with multiple chiral centers that differ at one or more, but not all, centers. If they are not mirror images, they are diastereomers.
- A quick trick: if two molecules have the same connectivity and differ only in stereochemistry, and are not mirror images, they are diastereomers. If they are mirror images, they are enantiomers.
- Use R/S configuration: enantiomers will have opposite configurations at every chiral center (e.g., R,R vs S,S). Diastereomers will have some matching and some opposite configurations (e.g., R,R vs R,S).
- Remember: enantiomers come in pairs; diastereomers can exist in sets of more than two when multiple chiral centers are present.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of enantiomers worksheet.
