What is the Difference Between Diastereomers and Enantiomers?

The main difference between diastereomers and enantiomers lies in their mirror image properties and the structures of the molecules they represent. Here is a comparison of their key characteristics:

• Enantiomers:
• Molecules that exist in two forms that are mirror images of one another but cannot be superimposed one upon the other.
• Have identical physical properties, except for the ability to rotate plane-polarized light.
• Present in pairs.
• Similar molecular shape.
• Optically active due to the presence of chiral centers.
• Diastereomers:
• Compounds with the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded elements but are non-superimposable non-mirror images.
• Have distinct physical properties.
• Can be several molecules.
• Different molecular shape.
• Optically active due to the presence of chiral centers.

In summary, enantiomers are mirror images of each other, while diastereomers are non-superimposable non-mirror images of a molecule. Both are types of stereoisomers, which differ in the spatial arrangement of their structures, and share the same molecular formula.

Comparative Table: Diastereomers vs Enantiomers

Here is a table comparing the differences between diastereomers and enantiomers:

In summary, enantiomers are mirror images of each other and have identical physical properties, while diastereomers are non-mirror images with distinct physical properties and different molecular shapes.