Enantiomer

/ɪˈnæn.tɪˌoʊ.mɚ/
noun

An enantiomer is one of a pair of chemical compounds that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed.

In biochemistry, the two enantiomers of a drug may have different biological effects.
Visual representation of "enantiomer" - An enantiomer is one of a pair of chemical compounds that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed.

Often appears as...

  • chiral enantiomer
  • optical enantiomer

Usage tips

Formal

chiral molecule, stereoisomer, optical activity

noun

One of two molecules that are related as non-superimposable mirror images.

Lactic acid exists in two enantiomeric forms.
Visual representation of "enantiomer" - One of two molecules that are related as non-superimposable mirror images.

Often appears as...

  • enantiomeric structure
  • enantiomeric excess

Usage tips

Neutral

isomerism, chirality

noun

An enantiomer is one of a pair of chemical compounds that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed.

In biochemistry, the two enantiomers of a drug may have different biological effects.
Visual representation of "enantiomer" - An enantiomer is one of a pair of chemical compounds that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed.

Often appears as...

  • chiral enantiomer
  • optical enantiomer

Usage tips

Formal

chiral molecule, stereoisomer, optical activity

noun

One of two molecules that are related as non-superimposable mirror images.

Lactic acid exists in two enantiomeric forms.
Visual representation of "enantiomer" - One of two molecules that are related as non-superimposable mirror images.

Often appears as...

  • enantiomeric structure
  • enantiomeric excess

Usage tips

Neutral

isomerism, chirality

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "enantiomer"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context

In the context of chemistry, especially when discussing reactions or compounds.

LampPro Tip 2/3

Comparison

Compare enantiomers in terms of their biological effects.

LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial Understanding

While enantiomers are specific to chemistry, understand that 'mirror images' can be used metaphorically.

LampPro Tip 1/3

Context

In the context of chemistry, especially when discussing reactions or compounds.

LampPro Tip 2/3

Comparison

Compare enantiomers in terms of their biological effects.

LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial Understanding

While enantiomers are specific to chemistry, understand that 'mirror images' can be used metaphorically.

LampPro Tip 1/3

Context

In the context of chemistry, especially when discussing reactions or compounds.

LampPro Tip 2/3

Comparison

Compare enantiomers in terms of their biological effects.

LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial Understanding

While enantiomers are specific to chemistry, understand that 'mirror images' can be used metaphorically.

Visual representation of the word "Enantiomer"

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