C. The Stereochemical Properties of Metal Tris Chelates
2. The Λ and Δ Isomers of [Tris(catecholato)Fe(III)]3- Anion
Notice that the two molecular ions shown below (More Information / References) are non-superimposable mirror images of each other; therefore they are enantiomers. For Metal Tris Chelates the two enantiomeric forms are called Lambda (Λ) (Left handed) and
Delta (Δ) (Right Handed). In the following pages we will show you how to assign the absolute configurations of the enantiomers as Λ or Δ.
With your mouse (and perhaps aided by the commands below) prove to yourself that these are enantiomers by trying to put them in superimposable orientations,
you will find that you cannot accomplish this.
The Left Molecule is Λ-Isomer (Lambda-Isomer)
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The Right Molecule is the Δ-Isomer (Delta-Isomer)
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Resources developed by Marion E. Cass, Carleton College and updated in 2014.
Computations and content done in consultation with Henry S. Rzepa, Imperial College, London