Part 2: Fundamental Concepts of Chirality
“From left- and right-handedness to life’s molecular signatures—chirality explained” Introduction Building on the overview of chirality, this section delves into core concepts: symmetry elements in molecules, the definitions of enantiomers and diastereomers, and the phenomenon of optical activity. Understanding these fundamentals is essential for grasping how stereochemistry manifests and is measured. We will also explore how chirality is quantified via optical rotation and how instruments like polarimeters help distinguish enantiomers. By the end of this …