Definition

A type of stereoisomer that has two or more chiral centers and is not a mirror image of another isomer of the same compound.

Example

The two compounds are diastereomers, meaning they have different spatial arrangements but are not mirror images of each other.

Conversation

Have you ever studied about diastereomer pairs in chemistry?

Yeah, they are interesting because they have different physical properties.

Right? I find it fascinating how they aren't mirror images of each other.

Exactly! It really shows how complex molecular structures can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Diastereomer → It is formed from "dia-" (meaning through or across) and "stereos" (meaning solid or three-dimensional) and "meros" (meaning part). The term refers to stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other, indicating a difference in spatial arrangement across a structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'across' ('dia-') and 'three-dimensional parts' ('stereos' and 'meros') to remember that a diastereomer is a type of stereoisomer that differs in spatial arrangement.

Visually Confused Words