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Chirality definitions

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Terms in this set (12)

  • Chirality
    A property of molecules that are non-superimposable on their mirror images, similar to left and right hands.
  • Chiral Center
    A carbon atom bonded to four distinct groups, making the molecule optically active.
  • Enantiomer
    A mirror image of a chiral molecule that cannot be superimposed onto the original molecule.
  • Stereochemistry
    The study of the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and its effect on their chemical behavior.
  • Optical Isomers
    Molecules that differ in the way they rotate plane-polarized light due to their chiral centers.
  • Stereoisomers
    Compounds with the same molecular formula and connections but different spatial orientations.
  • Asymmetric Center
    Another term for a chiral center, where a carbon is attached to four different groups.
  • Wedge Bonds
    Representations in molecular diagrams indicating bonds coming out of the plane towards the viewer.
  • Dashed Bonds
    Representations in molecular diagrams indicating bonds going into the plane away from the viewer.
  • Methyl Group
    A functional group consisting of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms, denoted as CH3.
  • Skeletal Formula
    A simplified organic formula showing the carbon skeleton and functional groups without hydrogen atoms.
  • Optical Activity
    The ability of chiral molecules to rotate the plane of polarized light.