Enantiomers are a form of stereoisomer in which each molecule in the pair of isomers has
A)its functional groups situated in different configurations with respect to a double bond.
B)the same carbon skeleton and the same functional groups,but the functional groups are attached at different sites.
C)the same functional groups,but a different carbon skeleton.
D)a carbon atom bonded to four different groups and the isomers are mirror images.
E)a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the carbon skeleton so that the bottom half and top half of the molecule are mirror images.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Enantiomers are isomers that have a non-superimposable mirror image relationship, meaning that they are mirror images of each other but cannot be aligned perfectly. This requires a carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups, which is known as a chiral carbon. Therefore, option D is the best choice as it accurately describes the defining characteristic of enantiomers. Options A, B, and C describe other types of isomers but do not involve chiral carbons, while option E describes a molecule with a plane of symmetry, which would not be a pair of enantiomers.

Enantiomers Are a Form of Stereoisomer in Which Each Molecule