> To give an example of how different the effects can be: Penicillamine (L) is used in the treatment of primary chronic arthritis. Penicillamine (D) not only has no therapeutic effect, it is highly toxic.
I think, as a layman, Thalidomide is probably a good striking example.
One chirality does what it says on the tin. The other causes babies to be born missing limbs and with other birth defects.
In theory, if we could produce Thalidomide with only the correct isomer, it would not only be effective but 100% safe for pregnant women.
I think, as a layman, Thalidomide is probably a good striking example.
One chirality does what it says on the tin. The other causes babies to be born missing limbs and with other birth defects.
In theory, if we could produce Thalidomide with only the correct isomer, it would not only be effective but 100% safe for pregnant women.