Group Theory and Fischer Projections

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 13 Issue 1 (2008) pp 1-2

Group Theory and Fischer Projections

Igor Novak

Charles Sturt University, POB 883, Orange NSW 2800, Australia, inovak@csu.edu.au
Received September 3, 2006. Accepted January 15, 2007.

Published online: 1 February 2008

Abstract. Fischer projections are analyzed using the framework of group theory. It is shown that the rules and operations which are used to manipulate Fischer projections form the alternating group A₄ which is a normal subgroup of the permutation (symmetric) group S₄.

Key Words: In the Classroom; organic chemistry; group theory/symmetry, chirality/optical isomers

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: inovak@csu.edu.au)

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