Search
Menu
Bristol Instruments, Inc. - 872 Series LWM 10/24 LB
Photonics Dictionary

enantiomer

Enantiomers are a pair of molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, similar to left and right hands. They are stereoisomers, meaning they have the same molecular formula and connectivity of atoms, but differ in their spatial arrangement of atoms. Despite their identical chemical composition, enantiomers exhibit distinct properties when interacting with other chiral molecules, such as enzymes or receptors, due to their unique three-dimensional structures.

Enantiomers are optically active, meaning they rotate plane-polarized light in opposite directions. One enantiomer rotates light clockwise, a property referred to as dextrorotation (designated as (+)), while the other rotates light counterclockwise, called levorotation (designated as (-)). These designations are based on the Latin words "dexter" (right) and "laevus" (left), reflecting the direction of rotation.

Enantiomers often have different biological activities, pharmacological effects, or tastes due to their interactions with chiral biological systems. This phenomenon, known as enantiomeric or chiral discrimination, has important implications in drug development, as only one enantiomer of a drug may exhibit the desired therapeutic effect while the other may be inactive or even produce adverse effects. Consequently, the separation and analysis of enantiomers are crucial in pharmaceutical and chemical industries, often achieved through techniques such as chiral chromatography or asymmetric synthesis.

Explore Our Content
News
Features
Latest Products
Webinars
White Papers
All Things Photonics Podcast
Photonics Spectra Now
Videos
Our Summits & Conferences
Industry Events
Bookstore
Join Our Community
Subscribe
Advertise
Become a member
Sign in
Contribute a Feature
Suggest a Webinar
Submit a Press Release
Mobile Apps

About Us
Our Company
Our Publications
Contact Us
Career Opportunities
Teddi C. Laurin Scholarship

Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)



©2024 Photonics Media
100 West St.
Pittsfield, MA, 01201 USA
[email protected]
We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.