How do stereochemistry and isomerism affect toxicity?
Stereochemistry and isomerism are crucial aspects of 3D structure that can significantly affect a compound's toxicity. Enantiomers, or mirror-image isomers, can have markedly different biological activities. For example, one enantiomer may be therapeutically beneficial, while the other could be toxic. This is because the 3D arrangement of atoms affects how the molecule fits into the binding sites of biological macromolecules. Understanding these differences is essential for assessing the potential risks of chiral compounds.
