The importance of shape: Stereochemical curiosities

Abstract

The geometric shape of many molecules is responsable of their chemical and physical characteristics. Analysing the stereochemistry of isomeric molecules we report some curiosity about their different characteristics and how this is reflected on their use in technology and in biology. In particular we shall examine some geometrical isomers (cis-trans isometry), optical isomers (enatiomers), rotational isomers and molecules which can modify their shape by external stimulus. In this respect, the use of some molecular machinery are reported.