A chiral center, also known as a chiral carbon, is a specific type of atom in a molecule that has four different groups attached to it. This unique arrangement allows the molecule to exist in two non-superimposable mirror images, known as enantiomers. These enantiomers can have different chemical properties and biological activities, making chiral centers important in fields like pharmaceuticals. Chirality is a key concept in stereochemistry, the study of the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules. Molecules with chiral centers can interact differently with other chiral substances, such as enzymes or receptors, leading to varying effects in biological systems. Understanding chiral centers is crucial for designing effective drugs and understanding their mechanisms of action.