Chiral compounds are molecules that cannot be superimposed on their mirror images, much like how left and right hands are different. This property arises from the presence of a carbon atom bonded to four distinct groups, creating two non-identical forms known as enantiomers. These enantiomers often exhibit different chemical behaviors, especially in biological systems. Chirality is significant in fields like pharmaceuticals, where one enantiomer of a drug may be effective while the other could be inactive or harmful. Understanding chiral compounds is essential for developing safe and effective medications, as well as for various applications in organic chemistry and biochemistry.