Connectivity, stereoisomers and chirality
The same molecular formula can describe different connectivity or spatial arrangements.
Key knowledge
Constitutional isomers differ in atom connectivity; stereoisomers share connectivity but differ in spatial arrangement. Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror-image stereoisomers. Chirality is a property of the whole structure, and some stereoisomers are not mirror-image pairs.
Conditions and scope
- Molecular formula alone does not determine structure.
- A tetrahedral carbon with four different substituents is a common chirality source, not a definition covering all chiral structures.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Inspected isomer classification and non-superimposable mirror-image discussion.
2026-10-10 · Checked connectivity, stereoisomer and enantiomer distinctions; no stereocentre-count shortcut asserted.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- chem-structural-stereoisomerism
- Revision
- university-reference.1
- Structured reference record
- University reference