Stereochemistry is concerned with the study of three dimensional representation of molecules in space. This has important implications in biological systems. Most organic molecules are made up two stereoisomers. Among the stereoisomers, one may exhibit a positive effect on the body while the other stereoisomer may not or could even be harmful. A typical example of this is the drug called thalidomide which was used during the 1950s to treat morning sickness. This particular drug has a mixture of stereoisomers, while one stereoisomer was active in handling the morning sickness, the other stereoisomer caused serious birth problems. Generally, the study of stereochemistry deals with stereoisomers and also covers other area of organic, inorganic, biological, physical chemistry. It involves the study of the method for determining and describing the relationships between stereoisomers and their effects on the physical or biological properties.
- Lecturer : Eugene Ayuk