Question #83019
1 Answer
Enantiomers always have an opposite R and S configurations whereas diastereomers have non-identical, non-opposite R and S configuration.
Explanation:
As we know that the enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other which means they have opposite R and S configuration. They have the same names but there R and S configuration is just opposite making them enantiomers of each other.
For example 2-chlorobutane: The enantiomer of 2-chlorobutane has two configurations which are (S)-2-chlorobutane and (R)-2-chlorobutane.
All the stereoisomers but not enantiomers are diastereoisomers and their R and S configurations are not opposite, but not identical either.
For example 2,3- butanediol. There are many stereoisomers but take a look over 2S,3R)-2,3-butanediol and (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol. They don't have opposite R and S configuration and they are also non-identical. So they are diastereomers.
