Chiralpedia

Chiralpedia Glossary

(A Living Reference for Chirality Science)
Explore definitions, examples, related concepts, and references for the language of stereochemistry.

C

Chiral Center (Central Chirality)

Broader Concept: Chirality

Paired Concept: Axial Chirality

Definition: A tetrahedral atom (usually carbon) bonded to four different substituents.
Context: Creates enantiomeric pairs; critical for drug selectivity and metabolism.
Example: The α-carbon of lactic acid.
Related Terms: Stereocenter, Enantiomer.
Reference: IUPAC Gold Book.