Chirality in molecules refers to the property of being non-superimposable on their mirror images. Chiral molecules exhibit optical activity, while achiral molecules are optically inactive.
How is chirality defined in the context of molecules, and what property is associated with chiral molecules?
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Chirality in molecules arises from their three-dimensional arrangement of atoms, where a molecule and its mirror image are non-superimposable. This spatial asymmetry is defined by the presence of a chiral center, typically a carbon atom bonded to four different groups. Chiral molecules exhibit optical isomerism, existing as enantiomers with distinct mirror-image configurations. Enantiomers share identical physical properties but interact differently with polarized light. This phenomenon is known as optical activity. Chirality plays a crucial role in pharmaceuticals and biochemistry, influencing drug efficacy and biological interactions due to the unique behavior of enantiomers in biological systems.