Definition

A type of stereoisomer that has two or more chiral centers and cannot be superimposed on its mirror image.

Example

The two compounds are diastereoisomers, meaning they have different spatial arrangements of atoms.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a diastereoisomer?

Yeah, I think it's a type of stereoisomer, right?

Exactly! It's different from enantiomers because they can’t be superimposed on each other.

That’s so interesting! Chemistry has so many unique concepts.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Diastereoisomer → It is formed from "dia-" (meaning through or across) and "stereoisomer" (from Greek "stereos" meaning solid and "isomer" meaning same part). The term refers to isomers that are not mirror images of each other, thus existing in different spatial arrangements across a structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'across' ('dia-') and 'solid' ('stereos') to remember that a diastereoisomer is a type of isomer that differs in spatial arrangement.

Visually Confused Words