Wednesday, September 19, 2018

organic chemistry - Enantiomers of 1,2-dichlorocyclohexane


The other day in class we were discussing the enantiomers of 1,2-dichlorocyclohexane and my teacher told us that (R,R) and (S,S) are different isomers while (R,S) and (S,R) are the same.


I understand how (R,S) and (S,R) are the same (Because they can be rotated) but I don't understand why (S,S) and (R,R) are not the same, even though they are the same if you rotate them too.




Answer



Left: RR Right:SS


The one on the left (RR) and the right (SS) are not superimposable mirror images of one another and are thus enantiomers. In your head, try flipping one of them. For instance, if you flip the RR molecule on the left as I drew it, it will look something like this: Left:RR Right:SS


The two pictures I posted are depicting two same molecules, except the one on the left was flipped around an axis in plane of the screen. With the second picture, it's easier to see that these two molecules are non-superimposable mirror images. Also notice how neither of these molecules have a plane (or point) of symmetry.


I recommend trying to build this with a model kit if you can't visualize it in your head easily.


No comments:

Post a Comment

periodic trends - Comparing radii in lithium, beryllium, magnesium, aluminium and sodium ions

Apparently the of last four, $\ce{Mg^2+}$ is closest in radius to $\ce{Li+}$. Is this true, and if so, why would a whole larger shell ($\ce{...