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7: Stereochemistry

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    549335
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    PURPOSE

    The purpose of this experiment is to:

    • Construct models in order to observe three-dimensional shapes of molecules.
    • Draw structures of molecules, showing stereochemistry when appropriate.
    • Assess stereochemical properties of molecules.

    INTRODUCTION

    In general chemistry, you learned that molecules adopt various three-dimensional shapes based on the electron geometry around the central atom. Once the shape of a molecule is known, its polarity can be determined. Based on whether a molecule is polar or nonpolar and how its atoms are bonded, one can identify the most important intermolecular forces present, which further influence the substance's physical properties.

    Structure and shape also play a key role in organic molecules, leading to the formation of various types of isomers. Compounds with the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms (different bonding) are known as constitutional isomers. Constitutional isomers can have different physical and chemical properties, depending on the types of functional groups present. Another type of isomerism commonly observed in organic molecules is based on how groups are placed on specific carbon atoms. These are known as stereoisomers. In stereoisomers, the bonding is the same, but the three-dimensional shapes are different. In this experiment, you will explore the three-dimensional properties of organic molecules by constructing various models.


    7: Stereochemistry is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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