Molecular chirality is one of the fundamental aspects of chemistry.
Chirality properties of molecules have implications in a wide variety of
subjects, ranging from the basic quantum mechanical properties of simple
of a few atoms to molecular optical activity, asymmetric synthesis,
systems and the folding pattern of proteins. Chirality, in both the
geometrical and the topological sense, has also been the subject of
investigations in various branches of mathematics. In particular, new
developments in a branch of topology, called knot theory, as well as in
various branches of discrete mathematics, have led to a novel
perspective on the topological aspects of molecular chirality. Some of
the mathematical advances have already found applications to the
interpretation of new concepts in theoretical chemistry and mathematical
chemistry, as well as to novel synthetic approaches leading to new
molecules of exceptional structural properties. Some of the new
developments in molecular chirality have been truly fundamental to the
theoretical understanding and to the actual practice of many aspects of
chemistry. The progress in this field has been very rapid, even
accelerating in recent years, and a review appears more than justified.
This book offers a selection of subjects covering some of the latest
developments. Our primary aim is to clarify some of the basic concepts
that are the most prone to misinterpretation and to provide brief
introductions to some of those subjects that are expected to have
further, important contributions to our understanding of molecular
properties and chemical reactivity.
