Organic Chemistry: Structure & Stereochemistry
Free MCAT study guide — Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Hybridization & Bonding
| Hybridization | Geometry | Bond Angle | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| sp³ | Tetrahedral | 109.5° | CH₄, sp³ N in amines |
| sp² | Trigonal planar | 120° | C=C (alkenes), C=O (carbonyls) |
| sp | Linear | 180° | C≡C (alkynes), C≡N (nitriles) |
Stereochemistry
Types of Isomers
- Constitutional (structural): Same formula, different connectivity
- Enantiomers: Non-superimposable mirror images (opposite at ALL stereocenters)
- Diastereomers: Stereoisomers that are NOT mirror images (differ at SOME stereocenters)
- Meso compounds: Have stereocenters but optically inactive (internal mirror plane)
Key Point: Enantiomers have identical physical properties EXCEPT optical rotation. Diastereomers have DIFFERENT physical properties.
ee = |observed [α]| / |pure [α]| × 100%
Functional Groups
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