थोडक्यात सारांश
Stereochemistry studies the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in molecules. Isomers with the same structure but different spatial arrangement are called stereoisomers. This topic covers optical isomerism, chirality, R/S configuration, geometrical (cis–trans, E/Z) isomerism and conformations of ethane and butane.
महत्त्वाचे मुद्दे
- Stereoisomers have the same molecular formula and same bonding sequence but differ in spatial arrangement.
- Optical activity: the ability to rotate plane-polarised light. Measured with a polarimeter. Dextrorotatory (+, d) rotates to the right; laevorotatory (−, l) to the left.
- A carbon bonded to four different groups is a chiral centre (asymmetric carbon). Example: lactic acid, CH₃CH(OH)COOH.
- Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images. They have the same physical properties except the direction of rotation of light.
- Diastereomers are stereoisomers that are not mirror images. They have different physical properties.
- A meso compound has chiral centres but also a plane of symmetry, so it is optically inactive. Example: meso-tartaric acid.
- A racemic mixture is a 50:50 mix of enantiomers; it shows no rotation (external compensation).
- Number of optical isomers = 2ⁿ (n = chiral centres), when the molecule is not symmetric. Tartaric acid has only 3 (d, l, meso).
- CIP rules (Cahn–Ingold–Prelog): give priority by higher atomic number. Keep the lowest priority group away; if 1 → 2 → 3 is clockwise, it is R; anticlockwise is S.
- Geometrical isomerism occurs due to restricted rotation around C=C or in rings. Cis: same groups on the same side; trans: opposite sides. E/Z uses CIP priorities.
- Conformations arise by rotation about a C–C single bond. Ethane: staggered (most stable) and eclipsed (least stable).
- n-Butane: anti (most stable) > gauche > partially eclipsed > fully eclipsed (least stable).
महत्त्वाच्या संज्ञा
- Chirality (हस्तता) – property of a molecule of being non-superimposable on its mirror image.
- Specific rotation – rotation by a solution of 1 g/mL concentration in a 1 dm tube.
- Resolution – separation of a racemic mixture into its enantiomers.
- Fischer projection – 2D drawing; horizontal lines point towards the viewer, vertical lines away.
- Newman projection – view along a C–C bond, front carbon as a point, back carbon as a circle.
सूत्रे
- Specific rotation: [α] = α/(l × c), α = observed rotation (degrees), l = tube length (dm), c = concentration (g/mL)
- Number of stereoisomers = 2ⁿ (for unsymmetrical molecules)
- Enantiomeric excess: ee (%) = (observed [α] / [α] of pure enantiomer) × 100
- Priority examples: −Br > −Cl > −OH > −NH₂ > −COOH > −CHO > −CH₃ > −H
५ महत्त्वाचे प्रश्न
Q1. What is a meso compound? Why is it optically inactive?
A meso compound has two or more chiral centres but has an internal plane of symmetry. The rotation by one half is cancelled by the other half (internal compensation). Example: meso-tartaric acid.
Q2. Distinguish between enantiomers and diastereomers.
Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images with identical physical properties except the sign of rotation. Diastereomers are not mirror images and differ in melting point, boiling point and solubility. Cis and trans-2-butene are diastereomers.
Q3. A solution of 0.2 g/mL of a sugar in a 2 dm tube shows rotation +13.3°. Find its specific rotation.
- [α] = α/(l × c)
- = 13.3 / (2 × 0.2)
- = 13.3 / 0.4
- = +33.25°
Q4. Assign R or S to (+)-lactic acid drawn with H pointing back, and explain the steps.
- Groups on chiral C: −OH, −COOH, −CH₃, −H.
- Priorities: −OH (O, 8) = 1; −COOH (C with O,O,O) = 2; −CH₃ = 3; −H = 4.
- Keep H at the back. Trace 1 → 2 → 3.
- Clockwise → R; anticlockwise → S.
- Note: R/S and +/− are not related; the sign is found only by experiment. (+)-Lactic acid is S.
Q5. Discuss the conformations of n-butane with an energy diagram.
- Rotate about C2–C3 bond; view in Newman projection.
- Anti (CH₃ groups 180° apart): lowest energy, most stable.
- Gauche (60°): slight steric strain.
- Partially eclipsed (120°) and fully eclipsed (0°): torsional and steric strain; fully eclipsed is least stable.
- Energy curve shows minima at anti and gauche, maxima at eclipsed forms.
परीक्षेसाठी टीप
Practice R/S assignment on 4–5 molecules and draw Newman projections neatly. A labelled energy diagram of butane fetches full marks.