ATROPOISOMER Meaning and
Definition
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An atropoisomer refers to a specific type of stereoisomer that arises due to hindered rotation around a single covalent bond. This phenomenon occurs when two substituents on a molecule or ion prevent free rotation about a bond due to steric hindrance. Atropoisomers possess distinct spatial arrangements of substituents, resulting in different chemical and physical properties.
The name "atropoisomer" originates from the compound atropine. Atropine is a naturally occurring molecule with an asymmetric carbon atom and a benzene ring. The presence of bulky groups at the carbon atom causes restricted rotation, leading to the formation of two distinct atropoisomers. These molecules exhibit non-superimposable mirror images due to hindered bond rotation.
Typically, atropoisomers are characterized by the presence of chirality in their molecular structure. They can exist as enantiomers or diastereoisomers, depending on whether they satisfy the additional condition of asymmetry. Atropoisomerism is commonly found in organic compounds containing axial chirality, such as biaryl compounds.
These isomers play a crucial role in various fields, including drug discovery, catalysis, and material science. Atropoisomeric compounds can exhibit different pharmacological activities, making them important for the design and development of chiral drugs. Additionally, they can serve as catalysts for asymmetric organic reactions, enabling the synthesis of enantiomerically pure compounds. The study of atropoisomers contributes to a deeper understanding of molecular structures and their effects on chemical and physical properties.
Common Misspellings for ATROPOISOMER
- ztropoisomer
- stropoisomer
- wtropoisomer
- qtropoisomer
- arropoisomer
- afropoisomer
- agropoisomer
- ayropoisomer
- a6ropoisomer
- a5ropoisomer
- ateopoisomer
- atdopoisomer
- atfopoisomer
- attopoisomer
- at5opoisomer
- at4opoisomer
- atripoisomer
- atrkpoisomer
- atrlpoisomer
- atrppoisomer
Etymology of ATROPOISOMER
The word "atropoisomer" is derived from the combination of two terms: "atropo-" and "isomer".
1. Atropo-: This prefix is derived from the Greek word "atropos", which means "inflexible" or "implacable". In Greek mythology, Atropos was one of the three Moirai or Fates, responsible for cutting the thread of life. The prefix "atropo-" is often used in scientific terminology to denote a chemical compound with a rigid or inflexible structure.
2. Isomer: This term is derived from the Greek roots "iso-", meaning "equal", and "meros", meaning "part". In chemistry, isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in their arrangement or spatial orientation.
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