Term: desymmetrization
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01623

Definition:
The modification of an object which results in the loss of one or more symmetry elements, such as those which preclude chirality (mirror plane, centre of inversion, rotation-reflection axis), as in the conversion of a prochiral molecular entity into a chiral one.

Related Terms:
1) chirality (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01058).
2) prochiral (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04859).
3) inversion (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03146).
4) chiral (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01057).

Source: PAC, 1996, 68, 2193. 'Basic terminology of stereochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2205 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122193)

Citation: 'desymmetrization' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01623

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