Enantiomers
Enantiomers are a type of isomer, which means they are two molecules that have the same chemical formula but differ in their three-dimensional arrangement. Specifically, enantiomers are mirror images of each other, much like your left and right hands. Despite having identical physical and chemical properties in many aspects, they can react differently in biological systems. This difference is crucial in fields like medicine, where one enantiomer of a drug might be effective, while its mirror image could be inactive or even harmful. Understanding enantiomers is essential for developing safe and effective pharmaceuticals.
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Enantiomers are a type of isomer found in chemistry, specifically in organic compounds. They are molecules that are mirror images of each other, much like your left and right hands. Despite being made of the same atoms and having the same connections, these molecules are not identical in 3D space and often have different properties, especially in how they interact with living organisms. This uniqueness can be significant in fields like pharmaceuticals, where one enantiomer of a drug might be effective, while the other could be inactive or even harmful. Understanding enantiomers is crucial in chemistry, biology, and medicine.