= Diastereoselectivity
= Diastereoselective
{synonym}
<Diastereoselectivity> is preferential formation or reaction of one <diastereomer> among competing possibilities. Unlike <enantiomers>, diastereomers can have different energies and physical properties even in an achiral environment.
For example, an addition reaction can favor one relative arrangement of two stereocenters, producing a $4:1$ diastereomeric ratio. This ratio describes product composition, while <chemical yield> describes how much product is obtained. Steric interactions, chelation, and conformational preferences can affect the competing transition-state energies, so the favored product depends on substrate and conditions.
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