Stereochemistry This is study of the 3 dimensional arrangement in space of molecules In organic chemistry,subtle differences in spatial arrangements can give rise to prominent effects. E.g.the isomers of butenoic acid: H OH HO -oh HO fumaric acid,mp287°C maleic acid,mpl38°C essential metabolite toxic irritant The cis isomer(maleic acid)is toxic,whereas the trans isomer(fumaric acid)is an essential metabolite for plants and animals This chapter deals with the stereochemical concept of chirality. Ch05 Stereochemistry (landscape) PageI Ch05 Stereochemistry (landscape) Page 1 Stereochemistry This is study of the 3 dimensional arrangement in space of molecules. In organic chemistry, subtle differences in spatial arrangements can give rise to prominent effects. E.g. the isomers of butenoic acid: The cis isomer (maleic acid) is toxic, whereas the trans isomer (fumaric acid) is an essential metabolite for plants and animals. This chapter deals with the stereochemical concept of chirality