Chiral Auxiliaries

Chiral auxiliaries are special molecules used in chemical reactions to help create specific arrangements of atoms in chiral compounds, which are substances that exist in two non-superimposable forms (like left and right hands). By temporarily attaching a chiral auxiliary to a starting material, chemists can control the outcome of the reaction, ensuring that one specific version of the chiral product is produced more than the other. Once the reaction is complete, the chiral auxiliary is usually removed, leaving behind a pure chiral product. This technique is important in pharmaceuticals, where the shape of a molecule can affect its effectiveness.