Prochiral

  In chemistry, prochiral molecules can be converted from achiral to chiral in a single step.^[1]

Additional recommended knowledge

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

What is the Sensitivity of my Balance?

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

If two identical substituents are attached to an sp³-hybridized atom, the descriptors pro-R and pro-S are used to distinguish between the two. Replacing the pro-R substituent results in an R chirality center at the original sp³-hybridized atom, and vice versa.

A trigonal planar sp²-hybridized atom can be converted to a chirality center when a substituent is added to the re or si face of the molecule.

See also

• Stereochemistry
• Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules

References

1. ^ John McMurry. Organic Chemistry, 6ed, Brooks/Cole, 301-303.