Organic chemistry is a branch of chemistry that studies the structures, properties, and reactions of carbon-containing compounds. Carbon is a fundamental element in organic chemistry, constituting approximately 62% of the dry weight of the human body, highlighting its significance in biological systems.
Stereochemistry is a key concept in organic chemistry, focusing on the three-dimensional arrangements of atoms within molecules. Stereoisomers are molecules that share the same atomic composition but differ in their spatial arrangement. A prime example of stereoisomers is maleic acid and fumaric acid. Both compounds have identical chemical formulas, yet their three-dimensional structures are distinct.
Maleic acid features a cis configuration, where the two bulky groups are positioned on the same side of the double bond. In contrast, fumaric acid exhibits a trans configuration, with the bulky groups located on opposite sides of the double bond. This difference in arrangement is crucial, as the presence of the double bond restricts rotation, preventing the groups from switching sides. Thus, despite their identical composition, the differing spatial arrangements classify maleic acid and fumaric acid as stereoisomers.
Understanding the distinctions between configurations and conformations is essential for grasping the complexities of stereochemistry, which will be explored further in subsequent discussions.