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non-superimposable mirror images(*) of each other. The way the 3D bonds are arranged means that they are also not superimposable. Optical isomers are known as chiral molecules (prounounced ki-rall) . |
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non-superimposable mirror images(*) of each other. Optical isomers are known as chiral molecules (prounounced ki-rall) . |
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The study of optical isomerism is called stereochemistry and optical |
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First discovered by Louis Pasteur nineteenth century, the study of optical isomerism is called stereochemistry. Optical |
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This form of isomerism can arise when an atom (usually carbon) is surrounded by four different functional groups. Swapping two of the groups round can arise in two different molecules - mirror images of each other. These optical isomers are called enantiomomers. |
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This form of isomerism can arise when an atom (usually carbon) is surrounded by four different functional groups. Swapping two of the groups round can arise in two different molecules - mirror images of each other. |
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D-form Amino acids tend to taste sweet whereas L-forms are usually tasteless. This is again because of our chiral taste molecules. The smells of oranges and lemons are examples of the D and L enantiomers. |
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D-form Amino acids tend to taste sweet whereas L-forms are usually tasteless. This is again due to our chiral taste molecules. The smells of oranges and lemons are examples of the D and L enantiomers. Penicillin works by stereoisomeric means. The antibiotic only works on peptide links of D-alanine which occur in the cell walls of bacteria - but not in humans. The antibiotic can only kill the bacteria and not us because we don't have these D-amino acids. |
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responsible for the teratogenic effects. |
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responsible for the teratogenic effects. |
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See also: #Cahn Ingold Prelog priority rules /Talk? |
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