Computer manipulation of central chirality

Abstract

Any general method for ordering canonically the atoms of a molecule is also a method for defining the chirality of the atoms, just as the Cahn–Ingold–Prelog sequence rules can be used as a general method for numbering the atoms of a molecule. Use is made of this fact to devise techniques whereby a computer program dynamically determines the chirality of the atoms of a stereoselected product (reactant) knowing the stereochemistry of the reactant (product). These techniques are essential for noninteractive programs that generate synthetic routes to optically active molecules.