8. Stereoisomerism and drugs

8.1 General

Isomerism defines the structure of two substances with the same molecular formula, but with different bonds between atoms (e.g. 1-propanol and 2-propanol or isopropanol). These structural isomers have different molecular structures and physicochemical properties.

Stereoisomerism refers to the case of compounds with an identical structure, but whose configuration (arrangement in space) of substituents differs from that of geometric isomerism (cis/trans) and optical isomerism (enantiomerism). For a detailed study of the various cases of molecular enantiomerism, see reference [27].

Enantiomerism is characterized by the presence of a center of chirality (a molecule with an asymmetric carbon atom or heteroatom). In the case of...