stereoisomer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
TechnicalAcademic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “stereoisomer” mean?
A molecule that has the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms as another molecule but differs in the three-dimensional orientation of its atoms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A molecule that has the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms as another molecule but differs in the three-dimensional orientation of its atoms.
Stereoisomers are critical in fields like chemistry and pharmacology due to their varying physical, chemical, and biological properties; for example, enantiomers can have different effects in biological systems, influencing drug efficacy and safety.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects within scientific and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “stereoisomer” in a Sentence
stereoisomer of [compound]stereoisomer with [specific property]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; occasionally in pharmaceutical or chemical industry reports.
Academic
Common in chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology textbooks, lectures, and research papers.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Essential in stereochemistry, drug design, and molecular biology discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stereoisomer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stereoisomer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stereoisomer”
- Mispronouncing as 'stereo-isomer' with a distinct pause, or confusing with structural isomers which have different atomic connectivity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Structural isomers have different atomic connectivity, while stereoisomers have the same connectivity but differ in the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms.
Because different stereoisomers can have varying biological activities; one enantiomer might be therapeutic, while another could be ineffective or harmful, as seen with thalidomide.
Lactic acid exists as two stereoisomers: L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid, which are mirror images and have different roles in metabolism.
Techniques such as chiral chromatography, crystallization, or enzymatic resolution are used to separate stereoisomers based on their distinct physical or chemical properties.
A molecule that has the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms as another molecule but differs in the three-dimensional orientation of its atoms.
Stereoisomer is usually academic/technical in register.
Stereoisomer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstɛrɪəʊˈaɪsəmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstɛrioʊˈaɪsəmər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'stereo' as three-dimensional and 'isomer' as same parts; together, they mean molecules with identical parts but different 3D arrangements.
Conceptual Metaphor
Mirror images or handedness, like left and right gloves, to illustrate chirality.
Practice
Quiz
What best defines a stereoisomer?