diastereoisomer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “diastereoisomer” mean?
A type of stereoisomer where molecules are not mirror images of each other and are not superimposable.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of stereoisomer where molecules are not mirror images of each other and are not superimposable.
In chemistry, any stereoisomer that is not an enantiomer; diastereomers have different physical properties and can be separated by conventional methods like chromatography or distillation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
None beyond the scientific definition.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency and context in UK and US academic and industrial chemistry.
Grammar
How to Use “diastereoisomer” in a Sentence
The reaction yielded two diastereoisomers.Compound X exists as a pair of diastereoisomers.We separated the diastereoisomers by HPLC.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diastereoisomer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diastereoisomeric mixture was analysed.
- We observed diastereoisomeric enrichment.
American English
- The diastereomeric mixture was analyzed.
- We observed diastereomeric enrichment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in organic and medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology for discussing stereoselective synthesis and drug action.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Essential term in chemical research, patent literature, and pharmaceutical development.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diastereoisomer”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diastereoisomer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diastereoisomer”
- Confusing it with 'enantiomer'. Incorrectly using it to describe any type of isomer (e.g., structural isomers).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images. Diastereoisomers are stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other.
No, diastereoisomers have different physical properties (e.g., melting point, solubility), unlike enantiomers which have identical physical properties in an achiral environment.
Yes, 'diastereomer' is a common and fully acceptable shortened form of 'diastereoisomer' in modern chemical literature.
It is crucial in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology (as different diastereomers can have different biological activities), and the synthesis of complex natural products.
A type of stereoisomer where molecules are not mirror images of each other and are not superimposable.
Diastereoisomer is usually technical / scientific in register.
Diastereoisomer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əˌster.i.əʊˈaɪ.sə.mə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əˌster.i.oʊˈaɪ.sə.mɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DIA' as in 'different' or 'diagonal' – these isomers are DIfferent And not mirror images.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of a diastereoisomer?