Fischer Projection

A Fischer projection is a way chemists represent the structure of molecules, especially organic compounds with multiple chiral centers, in a two-dimensional diagram. Imagine looking straight down at a complex molecule so that bonds sticking out toward you are vertical lines and bonds going away are horizontal lines. This format helps clearly show the 3D arrangement of atoms, particularly the spatial orientation of groups attached to carbon atoms. Fischer projections are valuable for visualizing stereochemistry and understanding how molecules can have different shapes (isomers) that affect their properties and functions.