| chiral | <chemistry> A term used to describe a molecule which, in a given configuration, cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. This is in contrast to achiral molecules which can be superimposed on their mirror images. The two mirror image versions of the molecule are known as levo (left-handed), abbreviated L, or dextro (right handed), abbreviated D, depending on which way they rotate polarized light. (05 Jan 1998) |
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| chiral centre | <chemistry> A tetrahedral carbon atom that bears four different substituents. (09 Jan 1998) |
| chiral compound | <chemistry> A molecule that has an asymmetric centre and can be found in twonon-superimposable mirror-image forms (enantiomers). (05 Jan 1998) |
| chiral crystal | An enantiomorphic, dyssymmetric, optically active crystal. (05 Mar 2000) |
| chiral synthesis | <chemistry> The production of chiral compounds in only one enantiomer, or handedness. (See chirality) (05 Jan 1998) |