What is the Difference Between Partial and Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis?

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Asymmetric synthesis is a type of chemical synthesis where a chemical reaction takes place, forming one or more new elements of chirality in a substrate molecule. It can be categorized into two forms: partial asymmetric synthesis and absolute asymmetric synthesis. The key difference between these two forms lies in the creation of chirality in the final product:

  • Partial Asymmetric Synthesis: This is a chemical reaction that involves the creation of less favorable chirality in symmetrical molecules. In other words, the reaction results in the formation of a product with some degree of chirality, but not to the maximum extent possible.
  • Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis: This is a chemical reaction that includes the creation of preferential chirality in a symmetrical molecule. In this case, the reaction results in the formation of a product with the maximum possible degree of chirality.

In summary, the main difference between partial and absolute asymmetric synthesis is the extent to which chirality is created in the final product. Partial asymmetric synthesis results in some degree of chirality, while absolute asymmetric synthesis results in the maximum possible degree of chirality.

Comparative Table: Partial vs Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis

Here is a table comparing partial and absolute asymmetric synthesis:

Aspect Partial Asymmetric Synthesis Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis
Definition A chemical reaction that involves the creation of less favorable chirality in symmetrical molecules. A chemical reaction that includes the creation of preferential chirality in a symmetrical environment from symmetrical or racemic precursors.
Chirality Results in the formation of one or more new elements of chirality in a substrate molecule, but not to the extent of absolute asymmetric synthesis. Results in the formation of a single enantiomer or a highly enriched mixture of one enantiomer over the other.
Efficiency Asymmetric synthesis is achieved by the influence of one chiral center, and it is seldom 100% efficient in simple molecules. Asymmetric synthesis can be highly efficient in biochemical systems, as living organisms require stereospecificity for their efficiency.
Examples The use of optically active compounds as reagents in the preparation of optically active compounds from achiral compounds. A possible route to absolute asymmetric synthesis involves total spontaneous resolution, where a compound crystallizes as both chiral and racemic crystals.

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