noun
- molecules that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed, like left and right hands
Usage: chemistry; biochemistry
Examples
- The two enantiomers of the drug have different biological effects.
- Scientists must separate enantiomers to study their individual properties.
- Many amino acids exist as enantiomers in nature.
- The left-handed and right-handed forms are enantiomers of the same molecule.
- Pharmaceutical companies often need to produce only one of the two enantiomers.
- These enantiomers rotate polarized light in opposite directions.