chiral
A molecule that is not superimposable on its mirror image. Typically a carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or molecules., Two mirror-image forms, that are not superimposable (enantiomers).
Chiral is a term used in chemistry to describe a molecule that has a non-superimposable mirror image. This means that even though two molecules may have the same chemical formula and bond connectivity, they are not identical and cannot be superimposed on each other.
Chirality is important in the pharmaceutical industry because chiral molecules can have different biological effects based on the orientation of their functional groups. For instance, one mirror image of a chiral molecule may be a highly effective drug, while the other mirror image may be completely ineffective or even toxic.
It is also important to note that chirality can affect physical properties of molecules, such as boiling point, melting point, and solubility. This is because chiral molecules have different interactions with other chiral molecules, both in solution and in solid state.
Chemists often use chiral resolution techniques, such as chromatography or crystallization, to separate the two mirror image forms of a chiral molecule. In addition, new synthetic methods are being developed for the production of single enantiomer molecules which are more effective and have fewer side effects than racemic mixtures.
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