8.29 Spectroscopic analysis: diastereomeric derivatization for spectroscopy

Chirality plays a central role in the world around us, with nature and scientists producing an ever-increasing number of chiral molecules that have a wide range of different applications. The word chirality is used as a term to describe a molecule whose enantiomers are non-superimposable on their mirror images. A chiral molecule that contains a single stereogenic center may exist in an enantiopure form or as a mixture of enantiomers in varying ratios. Enantiomers exhibit identical physical and chemical properties when present in an achiral environment; however, they often behave very differently when placed in a chiral environment. Many biologically active molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and sugars are chiral biopolymers that are constructed from homochiral building blocks.