Stereochemistry (Royal Society of Chemistry)

Stereochemistry is defined as the study of the three-dimensional structure of molecules. Stereochemical considerations are important in both isomerism and studies of the mechanisms of chemical reactions.

Implicit in a mechanism is the stereochemistry of the reaction: in other words, the relative three-dimensional orientation of the reacting particles at any time in the reaction. Concentrating on organic chemistry, early chapters deal mainly with definitions of terms such as chirality, enantiomers, diastereoisomers and racemisation, complete with suitable examples to illustrate key concepts.

Use of a polarimeter and associated definitions are described, together with two different conventions D, L and R, S for specification of configuration. Chirality without a stereogenic centre, in molecules such as allenes for example, is also covered.

The distinction between conformation and configuration is developed to include assignment of configurations to di-substituted cyclohexanes and to the decalins. The conventions E, Z and Re, Si are introduced for sp2 hybridised carbons as found in alkenes and carbonyl compounds.These aspects of stereochemistry are further explored through consideration of reactions such as SN2, elimination and addition reactions, ester hydrolyses, electrocyclic reactions and Diels-Alder cycloadditions.