Chirality and chemical processes: A few afterthoughts

Abstract

Chirality and chiral have become terms that pervade a wide range of disciplines in physical and life sciences. Although such terms are precisely defined, their use often engenders confusion and ambiguity. Perhaps, the most improper use of chirality, yet widely accepted, is related to its association with stereodynamics and physico-chemical transformations, such as chiral discrimination, chiral resolution, chiral recognition, chiral synthesis, and so on. Even though this conceptual perversion has been highlighted by renowned stereochemists, it has become a recurring keyword and a hot message in modern literature. It is timely to renew the correct use and context in forums such as the present journal, adding further reflections that may help both beginners and practitioners. This short article is not intended to criticize or highlight errors, but rather to encourage a level of rigor and the use of statements, which should be universally correct.