Achiral
Chemical property of a molecule that is superimposable on its mirror image
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Achiral is a term used in chemistry to describe a molecule that is superimposable on its mirror image. This means that the molecule does not have chirality, which is a property where a molecule and its mirror image are not superimposable. Achiral molecules do not exhibit optical activity, meaning they do not rotate the plane of polarized light.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Achiral molecules can be identified by the presence of a plane of symmetry or a center of symmetry. These symmetry elements ensure that the molecule and its mirror image are identical. In contrast, chiral molecules lack these symmetry elements and exist as two non-superimposable mirror images, known as enantiomers.
Examples[edit | edit source]
Common examples of achiral molecules include:
These molecules have symmetrical structures that make them superimposable on their mirror images.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Understanding whether a molecule is achiral or chiral is crucial in various fields such as pharmacology, biochemistry, and materials science. For instance, the chirality of a drug molecule can significantly affect its interaction with biological targets, leading to different therapeutic effects.
Related Concepts[edit | edit source]
See Also[edit | edit source]
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