Stereochemistry
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Author(s): D. Morris
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 085404602X
Format: softback
170pp
Price: £9.95
Review Date: 25 June 2001
Review: Stereochemistry is the study of the three-dimensional structure of molecules. Stereochemical considerations are important in both isomerism and studies of the mechanisms of chemical reactions. Implicit in a mechanism is the stereochemistry of the reactions; in other words, the relative three-dimensional orientation of the reacting particles at any time in the reaction. The book begins by giving the conventions and definitions that are needed for an understanding of the subject - conformation, configuration and chirality are introduced. It also introduces reactivity and includes the preferred or obligatory direction of approach of reagents, and also the consequence for the nature of the products. Use of a polarimeter is described and associated definitions are given, together with two different conventions D,L and R,S for specification of a configuration. Chirality in molecules, such as allenes, that do not have a stereogenic centre is also discussed. The difference between conformation and configuration is developed to include the assignment of configurations to di-substituted cyclohexanes and to decahydronaphthalenes (decalins). Diastereotopic groups are also covered. Additional reactions to alkenes and carbonyl groups, nucleophilic substitution, and reactions (and interactions) involved in the resolution of racemic mixtures are investigated.