Fischer projection

Fischer projection

Method of representing the three-dimensional structures of molecules on a page, devised by Emil Fischer. By convention, horizontal lines represent bonds projecting from the plane of the paper toward the viewer, and vertical lines represent bonds projecting away from the viewer. Fischer projections are a convenient way to depict chiral molecules (see optical activity) and distinguish between pairs of enantiomers (see racemate). They are most often used to depict isomers of the sugars. See also chemical formula.

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Fischer projection [′fish·ər prə‚jek·shən]

(organic chemistry)

A method for representing the spatial arrangement of groups around chiral carbon atoms; the four bonds to the chiral carbon are represented by a cross, with the assumption that the horizontal bonds project toward the viewer and the vertical bonds away from the viewer.