What is the difference between an enantiomer and a diastereomer ?

1 Answer
Nov 14, 2015

Enantiomers are stereoisomers that are mirror images but are not superimposable upon each other. Whereas, diastereomers are stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other.

Explanation:

Enantiomers
- stereoisomers that are mirror images but are not superimposable upon each other.
- have the exact opposite R,S designation at every stereogenic center.

Diastereomers
- stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other.
-have the same R,S designation for at least one stereogenic center and the opposite R,S designation for at least one of the other stereogenic centers.

Explained with cats