Achiral compounds are molecules that do not have a chiral center and therefore do not have a non-superimposable mirror image. Chiral compounds, on the other hand, have a chiral center and have two non-superimposable mirror images, also known as enantiomers.
A compound can be determined to be chiral or achiral based on its symmetry. If a molecule has a plane of symmetry, it is achiral, whereas if it does not have a plane of symmetry, it is chiral. Additionally, a compound with a chiral center (carbon atom bonded to four different groups) is always chiral.
Some common examples of chiral compounds include sugars (such as glucose and fructose), amino acids, and some drugs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen). Chiral compounds are also found in many natural products, including essential oils and fragrances.
The two enantiomers of a chiral compound can have different effects on the body due to their different arrangements of atoms. In some cases, one enantiomer may be more effective or have fewer side effects, while the other may be inactive or have negative effects. This is why pharmaceutical companies often have to develop specific enantiomers for drugs to ensure their efficacy and safety.
Yes, achiral compounds can be converted into chiral compounds through a process called resolution. This involves separating the enantiomers using physical or chemical methods, such as chromatography or crystallization. However, this process can be difficult and expensive, so it is often more practical to synthesize chiral compounds directly.
