Answer to Question #175613 in Organic Chemistry for Sam

Question

Examine the importance and impact of isomerism in industry – research case studies in order to consider the formation of different isomers during manufacture, how their presence may influence the industrial process, the differences in properties that they might have, and the possible consequences of ignoring the presence of isomerism.

Answer 1

A good example of what can happen if isomerism ignored is thalidomide tragedy. There are 2 isomers formed during the production of this drug, and noone was thinking to separate them during that times. One isomer had sedadtive effect, while the second was causing phocomelia. As a result more than 10,000 children where born with deformities. This story shows how important to remember about isomerism during manufacturing process.