Prochirality

The chapter provides classification of the homomorphic ligands. Diastereoisomeric interaction arising out of three-point matching of a chiral species and two opposite handedness, present in pro-chiral species is discussed as a genesis of pro-chirality. Distinction between stereo-heterotopic ligands and non-stereo-heterotopic ligands is presented. Criteria to distinguish between the homotopic, enantiotopic and diastereotopic ligands and faces are presented with illustrative examples. Methodology to assign stereo-descriptors to stereo-heterotopic ligands and faces in molecules with presence of pro-chiral centre, pro-chiral axis and pro-chiral plane is provided. Methodology to assign stereo-descriptors to ligands and faces for the pro-pseudoasymmetric centre is illustrated. Molecules lacking pro-chirality but exhibiting pro-stereogenicity are discussed with methods to assign stereo-descriptors to stereoheterotopic ligands and faces, present in such molecules. Differentiation or recognition of stereoheterotopic ligands by enzymes/microorganisms; by chiral chemical species and NMR is presented.