stereochemistry
Stereochemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules. It examines how the three-dimensional structure of a molecule affects its chemical properties and reactions. This includes the study of isomers, which are compounds with the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms.
One important concept in stereochemistry is chirality, where a molecule cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. Chirality is significant in fields like pharmacology, as different enantiomers (chiral molecules) can have different biological effects. Understanding stereochemistry is essential for designing effective drugs and understanding molecular interactions.