Last time we were introduced to the topic of stereochemistry. Today, we'll look at naming compounds with stereocenters, and then we'll examine the complications which arise when a molecule has more than one stereocenter in it. First, though, let's look at a property in which one enantiomer differs from another.
Enantiomers are alike in all respects but one.
They have the same melting point, the same boiling point and the same solubility in common solvents. The difference between the two enantiomers only shows up when we put them in a chiral environment. Our analogy with gloves can help here. In a pair of gloves, the left glove weighs the same as the right glove, it is the same size and typically the same color. It is made of the same material.