5.4 Fischer Projection
5.4 Fischer Projection
Several methods have been introduced to visualize the configuration of the asymmetric carbon atom. We have already learned the flying-wedge drawing. Tetrahedral drawing is another method which was often used in the past. The four corners of a tetrahedron are used to indicate the four ligands. The dashed line represents the hidden edge behind the tetrahedron. Most frequently used is, however, Fischer’s projection formula (hereafter simply Fischer projection). A chiral compound CXYZW is drawn by several methods. According to the convention of Fischer projection, the asymmetric carbon atom lies on the surface of the paper, and horizontal bonds are taken, as coming toward you and vertical bonds as retreating from you. In other word, Fischer projection 7 and 8 are equivalent to the flying-wedge drawings 3 and 4, respectively.
