Give the stereochemical relationships between each pair of structures.
Examples are same compound, structural isomers, enantiomers, diastereomers.


Which pairs could you (theoretically) separate by distillation or recrystallization?


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Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the stereocenters in each structure. A stereocenter is a carbon atom bonded to four different groups.
2. Determine the configuration (R or S) of each stereocenter using the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules.
3. Compare the configurations of the stereocenters in each pair of structures.
4. Classify the stereochemical relationship: same compound (identical configurations), enantiomers (mirror images, opposite configurations at all stereocenters), diastereomers (non-mirror images, different configurations at one or more but not all stereocenters), or structural isomers (different connectivity).
5. Consider separation methods: Enantiomers can be separated by recrystallization using a chiral resolving agent, while diastereomers can often be separated by distillation or recrystallization due to different physical properties.

Key Concepts

Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry is the study of the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and how this affects their chemical properties and reactions. It includes concepts such as chirality, where molecules can exist as non-superimposable mirror images (enantiomers), and the configuration of stereocenters, which can lead to different physical and chemical behaviors.

Isomerism

Isomerism refers to the phenomenon where two or more compounds have the same molecular formula but different structures or arrangements of atoms. This includes structural isomers, which differ in the connectivity of atoms, and stereoisomers, which have the same connectivity but differ in the spatial orientation of their atoms, such as enantiomers and diastereomers.

Separation Techniques

Separation techniques like distillation and recrystallization are methods used to purify compounds based on differences in their physical properties. Distillation separates components based on differences in boiling points, while recrystallization relies on differences in solubility. Understanding these techniques is crucial for determining which pairs of isomers can be effectively separated in a laboratory setting.