Valliappan Kannappan

Chiral Chemistry in Everyday Life: Hidden Handedness Around Us

Introduction Chirality, or molecular handedness, is a fascinating aspect of chemistry that plays a crucial role in the structure and function of many substances we encounter in our daily lives. From the food we eat to the cleaning products we use, chirality influences the properties and effectiveness of numerous everyday items. This blog explores the hidden handedness of chiral chemistry in household products, food and beverages, and other common examples, highlighting their significance and impact. …

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The Chemistry of Taste and Smell: How Chirality Affects Senses

Introduction Chirality, or molecular handedness, plays a pivotal role in the chemistry of taste and smell. From the refreshing scent of mint to the sweet taste of artificial sweeteners, the chirality of molecules influences our sensory experiences in profound ways. In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of chiral compounds, exploring how they interact with our sensory receptors and shape the flavors and fragrances we encounter daily. By understanding the chemistry behind …

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Chirality in Nature: From DNA to Snail Shells

Introduction Chirality, derived from the Greek word for “hand,” is a property of asymmetry that is ubiquitous in nature. Just as our hands are mirror images but not identical, many biological molecules exhibit this fascinating characteristic. Chirality is not just a molecular curiosity; it profoundly influences the structure and function of DNA, proteins, and enzymes, as well as various physiological and behavioral traits in plants and animals. In this blog, we will explore the role …

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Molecular Handedness: How Chirality Shapes Molecules

Introduction Molecules can come in two shapes that mirror each other, in the same way as our left and right hands. This attribute, called chirality, can be found in biological molecules like sugars and proteins This property, often referred to as molecular handedness, plays a crucial role in chemistry, biology, and pharmacology. In this article, we will explore the basics of chirality, examine examples of chiral and achiral molecules, and delve into the methods used to …

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Introduction to Chirality: Understanding the Basics

Lead Chirality, derived from the Greek word “cheir” meaning hand, is a fundamental concept in chemistry that describes an object’s property of being non-superimposable on its mirror image. This property is not just an abstract mathematical idea but has profound implications in various scientific fields, particularly chemistry and biology. Understanding chirality is essential for comprehending molecular interactions and their impacts on our daily lives. This first of this blog series delves into the definition, historical …

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