Key Importance of Chiral Carbon in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmaceuticals

The carbon with four different groups attached to it is called the what?

Chiral centre/asymmetric carbon

The carbon with four different groups attached to it is called a chiral carbon or an asymmetric carbon. This carbon atom is special since it creates an asymmetry or handedness in the molecule, as it exists in two non-superimposable mirror-image forms called enantiomers. This property is important in chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmaceuticals since the biological activity of a chiral molecule is determined by the specific configuration of the chiral carbon, and often only one enantiomer is active or effective in biological systems.

More Answers:

Trigonal Planar Electron Domain Geometry in Molecules
Geometry of Molecules with 2 Electron Domains: Linear vs. Bent Shapes and Bond Angles
Enantiomers: Importance in Drug Development and Manufacturing

Error 403 The request cannot be completed because you have exceeded your quota. : quotaExceeded

Share:

Recent Posts

Mathematics in Cancer Treatment

How Mathematics is Transforming Cancer Treatment Mathematics plays an increasingly vital role in the fight against cancer mesothelioma. From optimizing drug delivery systems to personalizing

Read More »