Chiral Molecule
A molecule that is non-superimposable on its mirror image, typically containing one or more chiral centers. Such molecules exist as enantiomeric pairs whose physical properties are largely identical but whose interactions with other chiral species differ. Chirality occupies a central position in stereochemistry and in pharmaceutical research, where the two enantiomers of a compound can exhibit distinct biological activities.
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In many reactions that form chiral molecules from achiral starting materials, the two mirror-image products can be generated in equal amounts, forming a racemic mixture (50% each).
Chiral molecules are mirror images of each other that cannot be perfectly superimposed, and their name derives from the Greek word for "hand."
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Chiral molecules are mirror images of each other that cannot be perfectly superimposed, and their name derives from the Greek word for "hand."
70%UnverifiedIn many reactions that form chiral molecules from achiral starting materials, the two mirror-image products can be generated in equal amounts, forming a racemic mixture (50% each).
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