enantiomers
Non-superimposable mirror twins
Enantiomers are molecules that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed—like left and right hands.
They have identical chemical formulas and structures except for their three-dimensional orientation.
In chemistry and pharmacology, the distinction matters because enantiomers can behave differently in biological systems: one form of a drug may be therapeutic while its mirror twin is inactive or harmful.
Drug fate in body
- thalidomideSedative causing fetal deformities
- ibuprofenAnti-inflammatory pain reliever
- omeprazoleGastric acid reducer
- naproxenAnti-inflammatory analgesic drug
Spatially distinct molecular forms
- racemic mixtureEqual parts both enantiomers
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- specific rotationStandardized optical activity measure
- meso compoundAchiral molecule with stereocenters
Reversed visual duplicate
- reflectionReturned light or thought
- left-handedDominant on sinister side
- right-handedFavoring one's stronger side
- counterpartCorresponding person or thing
Preferred limb dominance
- asymmetryAbsence of balanced form
- chiral resolutionSeparating mirror-image isomers
- chiral auxiliaryDetachable asymmetric synthesis guide
Organic compounds forming proteins
- sugarsSweet edible carbohydrates
- proteinsAmino acid polymers
- enzymesReaction-speeding proteins
- metabolitesChemicals from bodily processes
biomolecules · receptors · L-amino acids · lock and key · induced fit
pharmacokinetics
Drug fate in body
- thalidomideSedative causing fetal deformities
- ibuprofenAnti-inflammatory pain reliever
- omeprazoleGastric acid reducer
naproxen · drug metabolism · bioavailability · adverse effects
stereoisomers
Spatially distinct molecular forms
- racemic mixtureEqual parts both enantiomers
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- specific rotationStandardized optical activity measure
mirror image
Reversed visual duplicate
- reflectionReturned light or thought
- left-handedDominant on sinister side
- right-handedFavoring one's stronger side
handedness
Preferred limb dominance
- asymmetryAbsence of balanced form
- chiral resolutionSeparating mirror-image isomers
- chiral auxiliaryDetachable asymmetric synthesis guide
amino acids
Organic compounds forming proteins
metabolites · biomolecules · receptors · L-amino acids · lock and key · induced fit
enantiomerscis-trans isomers
Molecules differing by spatial orientation