Chiral Molecules
Chiral molecules are compounds 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 a specific three-dimensional arrangement.
Chirality is important in many fields, especially in pharmaceuticals, where different chiral forms of a drug can have different effects in the body. For example, one chiral form may be therapeutic, while its mirror image could be harmful or inactive. Understanding chirality is crucial for developing effective medications.