asymmetric carbon

An asymmetric carbon, also known as a chiral carbon, is a carbon atom that is attached to four different atoms or groups. This unique arrangement allows the molecule to exist in two distinct forms, called enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other, much like left and right hands. These enantiomers can have different chemical properties and biological effects, making them important in fields like pharmaceuticals. The presence of an asymmetric carbon is a key feature in understanding the 3D structure of molecules and how they interact with other biological systems.