Stereoisomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula and differ only in how their atoms are arranged in three-dimensional space. Be careful not to confuse them with constitutional isomers which also have the same molecular formula but differ in the way their atoms are connected.

Explanation:

Stereoisomerism is a type of isomerism where compounds have the same molecular formula and the same sequence of covalent bonds, but differ in the three-dimensional orientation of their atoms or groups in space. This type of isomerism arises due to the presence of one or more chiral centers in the molecule. Chiral centers are carbon atoms that are bonded to four different groups or atoms.

Stereoisomers can be further classified into two types:

1. Enantiomers: These are mirror images of each other and cannot be superimposed on each other. They have identical physical and chemical properties except for their effect on polarized light. Enantiomers rotate the plane of polarized light in opposite directions.

2. Diastereomers: These are stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other. They have different physical and chemical properties.

Examples of compounds exhibiting stereoisomerism:

1. Tartaric acid: Tartaric acid is a dicarboxylic acid that has two chiral centers. It exists in two stereoisomeric forms, namely D-tartaric acid and L-tartaric acid. These two isomers are enantiomers of each other.

2. 2-Butanol: 2-Butanol is an alcohol that exists in two stereoisomeric forms, namely (R)-2-butanol and (S)-2-butanol. These two isomers are enantiomers of each other.

3. Cis-trans isomerism: This is a type of stereoisomerism that arises due to the presence of a double bond in the molecule. In cis isomers, the two groups attached to the double bond are on the same side of the molecule, while in trans isomers, they are on the opposite sides.

Examples of compounds exhibiting cis-trans isomerism:

1. 2-Butene: 2-Butene exists in two isomeric forms, namely cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene. In cis-2-butene, the two methyl groups are on the same side of the double bond, while in trans-2-butene, they are on opposite sides.

2. Maleic acid and fumaric acid: Maleic acid and fumaric acid are isomers of each other that exhibit cis-trans isomerism. Maleic acid has two carboxylic acid groups that are on the same side of the molecule, while in fumaric acid, they are on opposite sides.

In conclusion, stereoisomerism is a type of isomerism that arises due to the different three-dimensional orientation of atoms or groups in space. It is an important concept in organic chemistry and has many practical applications in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Stereoisomerism refers to the phenomenon where two or more compounds have the same chemical formula and sequence of covalent bonds, but differ in the spatial orientation of their atoms or functional groups. This means that stereo-isomers are mirror images of each other, much like our left and right hands.

Explanation:

Stereoisomerism arises due to the presence of chirality in molecules. Chirality is a property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image. The simplest example of chirality is a molecule with a single asymmetric carbon atom (also known as a stereocenter), which is a carbon atom bonded to four different chemical groups.

There are two types of stereoisomers:

1. Enantiomers: Enantiomers are stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. In other words, they have the same chemical formula and sequence of covalent bonds, but differ in their spatial orientation. Enantiomers rotate plane-polarized light in opposite directions and have identical physical properties such as boiling point, melting point, and solubility. Enantiomers have identical chemical reactivity in achiral environments, but may behave differently in chiral environments.

2. Diastereomers: Diastereomers are stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other. They have the same chemical formula and sequence of covalent bonds, but differ in their spatial orientation at one or more stereocenters. Unlike enantiomers, diastereomers have different physical and chemical properties, such as melting point, boiling point, and reactivity.

Examples:

1. Tartaric acid: Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid that exists in two enantiomeric forms, known as D-tartaric acid and L-tartaric acid. They have the same chemical formula and sequence of covalent bonds, but differ in their spatial orientation.

2. 2-Butanol: 2-Butanol exists as two diastereomers, known as (R,S)-2-butanol and (S,R)-2-butanol. They have the same chemical formula and sequence of covalent bonds, but differ in their spatial orientation at the two stereocenters.