Diastereomers

Diastereomers, a crucial concept in organic chemistry, are stereoisomers that differ at some, but not all, stereocenters within a molecule. Unlike enantiomers, diastereomers exhibit distinct physical and chemical properties due to their unique spatial arrangements. This phenomenon arises from the presence of multiple chiral centers, making diastereomers integral to understanding molecular diversity and reactivity. Their significance extends across various fields, from drug design to asymmetric synthesis, highlighting the importance of discerning these stereoisomeric relationships in elucidating the structure and function of complex molecules.