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Constitutionally Heterotopic

  • Page ID
    39380
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    Like ligands in an organic molecule that are not equivalent (see equivalent ligands) under any condition are classified into two classes.

    Diastereotopic Ligands

    When the replacement test is applied to two like ligands in a molecule, if the resultant molecules are diastereomers, the two ligands are said to be diastereotopic.

    eg:

    diastereotopic1.png

    Apply the replacement test to find if the two bromine atoms in 1 are diastereotopic.

    diastereotopic2.png

    Molecules 2 and 3 are diastereomers. Thus, the two bromine atoms in 1 are diastereotopic. Diastereomers have different chemical properties under all conditions. Since the replacement of Br (a) and of Br (b) in 1 leads to molecules that have different chemical properties under all conditions, Br (a) and Br (b) have different chemical properties under all conditions.

    Constitutionally Heterotopic Ligands

    When the replacement test is applied to two like ligands in a molecule, if the resultant molecules are constitutional isomers, the two ligands are said to be constitutionally heterotopic.

    eg:

    diastereotopic3.png

    Apply the replacement test to find if the two methyl groups in 1 are constitutionally heterotopic.

    diastereotopic4.png

    Molecules 2 and 3 are constitutional isomers. Thus, the two methyl groups in 1 are constitutionally heterotopic. Constitutional isomers have different chemical properties under all conditions. Since the replacement of CH3 (a) and of CH3 (b) in 1 leads to molecules that have different chemical properties under all conditions, CH3 (a) and CH3 (b) have different chemical properties under all conditions.

    see also homotopic, enantiotopic


    This page titled Constitutionally Heterotopic is shared under a All Rights Reserved (used with permission) license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Gamini Gunawardena via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.