Definition of Fischer Projection



Fischer projection is the two-dimensional representation of an organic molecule that has three dimensions. The application of this is to display a stereo formula in two dimensions in such a way that the stereochemical information of that molecule is not destroyed. The stereochemical information includes the absolute configuration of the chiral centres. It was first devised by Emil Fischer in 1891.

 


These projections were particularly used in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry to depict the structures of carbohydrates and amino acids. These are drawn in such a way that the chiral centre is present on the plane of the paper. Then, the two bonds are horizontally planed and are coming out of the paper whereas the other two bonds are going into the plane and are vertically planed.


View More Organic Chemistry Definitions