Editor’s note: It is a good exercise to determine the configuration (R or S) of each chiral centre presented in this course. Some molecules have the same composition in terms of atoms but differ by their placement. Those molecules are called conformers (of configuration). Amongst them we distinguish enantiomers and diastereoisomers. The distinction was already […]

It can be done several ways catalysis by proximity (entropic contribution) electrophile and nucleophile catalyses general basic catalysis Catalysis by proximity We compare here an intramolecular process with an intermolecular process. Intermolecular Imidazole is incorporated into many important biological molecules. One of them is the histidine that is present in many proteins and enzymes. The presented reaction is […]

Homogeneous catalysis In some conditions, a same reaction A → B can lead to two different kinetics depending on the composition of the solution in which it is. One species C, apparently not intervening in the reaction as it is not consumed by it, increases the speed of reaction. Both reactions occur simultaneously, giving a […]