stereoisomerism: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos and Videos

Two diagrams show the three-dimensional structure of a methane molecule: panel A uses a ball-and-stick model with a central carbon atom connected to four hydrogen atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement, while panel B illustrates the bond angle of 109.5 degrees and bond length of 1.09 angstroms between carbon and hydrogen atoms.

The chemistry behind the scent of roses

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

cis-trans isomerism optical isomerism meso compound diastereoisomer trans effect chirality enantiomer racemic mixture racemization resolution

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

Key People

Painting by Albert Edelfelt showing Louis Pasteur in his laboratory, holding a glass flask and examining it intently, surrounded by scientific equipment on a workbench.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist

default image

Vladimir Prelog

Swiss chemist

Viktor Meyer

Viktor Meyer

German chemist