Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ɪˌnæn.ti.oʊ.səˈlɛk.tɪv.ɪ.ti/

Meaning and Usage

Enantioselectivity refers to the preference of a chemical reaction to produce one enantiomer over another. This term is primarily used in the context of asymmetric synthesis in organic chemistry, wherein specific conditions are designed to favor the formation of one enantiomer (a molecule that is a non-superimposable mirror image of another) over the other due to the enantioselective nature of the reaction.

• Frequency of Use: The term is common in academic and professional settings, particularly among chemists, pharmacologists, and scientists involved in synthetic chemistry. It is more prevalent in written contexts, such as research papers, articles, and textbooks.

Example Sentences

1. The research focused on improving the enantioselectivity of the catalyst to produce the desired pharmaceutical compound.

2. Исследование сосредоточилось на улучшении энантиоселективности катализатора для получения желаемого фармацевтического соединения.

3. Advancements in enantioselectivity have led to the development of safer and more effective drugs.

4. Достижения в области энантиоселективности привели к разработке более безопасных и эффективных лекарств.

5. The enantioselectivity of the reaction was carefully analyzed to understand the underlying mechanisms.

6. Энантиоселективность реакции была тщательно проанализирована для понимания основных механизмов.

Idiomatic Expressions

While enantioselectivity is primarily a technical term and does not appear frequently in idiomatic expressions, it is closely related to other concepts in organic chemistry. However, we can explore phrases that relate to enantioselective processes:

1. "The reaction showed remarkable enantioselectivity, which scientists celebrated."

2. "Реакция продемонстрировала замечательную энантиоселективность, чем ученые были очень довольны."

3. "Despite the low yield, the enantioselectivity was a significant achievement in the study."

4. "Несмотря на низкий выход, энантиоселективность была значительным достижением в исследовании."

5. "Understanding enantioselectivity is crucial for developing effective chiral catalysts."

6. "Понимание энантиоселективности имеет решающее значение для разработки эффективных хиральных катализаторов."

Etymology

The term enantioselectivity is derived from the Greek word "enantios," meaning "opposite," combined with the Latin "selectus," meaning "chosen" or "selected," and the suffix "-ity," which denotes a state or condition. This reflects the concept of selecting one form (enantiomer) over another during chemical reactions.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Chiral selectivity - Enantiomeric selectivity

Antonyms: - Racemic selectivity (referring to reactions that produce equal amounts of both enantiomers)

In summary, enantioselectivity is a crucial concept in organic chemistry, especially in drug development and synthesis, where the specific orientation of molecules can impact their effectiveness and safety.