R enantiomer

The R enantiomer refers to one specific form of a chiral molecule, where the arrangement of its atoms is like a mirror image that cannot be superimposed onto its counterpart. Think of it as a pair of gloves: left and right gloves are mirror images but not interchangeable. This distinction is crucial because R and S enantiomers can have different biological effects or properties. The "R" stands for "rectus," Latin for "right," indicating the molecule's specific three-dimensional configuration based on Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules. Recognizing R versus S forms helps in understanding how molecules interact in biological systems.