Prochirality center

Definition

A prochirality center is a carbon atom in a molecule that can be converted from achiral to chiral with a single substitution. It essentially has the potential to become a stereocenter upon modification of its environment or substituents.

Related terms

Chirality: Refers to the geometric property of a molecule having non-superimposable mirror images, much like left and right hands.

Stereocenter: A term for any atom in a molecule where the interchange of two groups produces a stereoisomer, often leading to different spatial arrangements.

Enantiomers: Molecules that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed, much like human hands