What is stereospecific and stereoselective reactions?

Please don't quote Wikipedia. Explain in your own words if possible.

Question

What is stereospecific and stereoselective reactions?

Please don't quote Wikipedia. Explain in your own words if possible.

anonymous · Answer

Stereospecific Reaction: A reaction in which the stereochemistry ( 3 dimentional shape) of the reactant completely determines the stereochemistry of the product without any other option. so you get ONLY one stereoisomer after the reaction.

Stereoselective Reaction: A reaction in which there is a choice of pathway, but the product stereoisomer is formed due to its reaction pathway being more favourable than the others available.( so you get different stereo isomers )

anonymous · Answer

Thanks a lot! :)