“不对称的”(Asymmetric)不存在任何的对称因素。虽则一些不对称的分子确有对映异构体的存在,然而有些仅有简单对称轴的分子也有对映异构体,因此人们宁选择“异称”(dissymmetric)一词。“手性”(chiral)表征像双手一样的特性,即如左右二手彼此为镜象但又无法重叠的分子结 Asymmetric does not have any symmetry. Although some asymmetric molecules do exist as enantiomers, some have only enantiomers for molecules that have only a simple symmetry axis, so people prefer the term “dissymmetric.” “Chiral” characterizes a hands-like property, ie, a molecular knot where the left and right hands mirror each other but can not overlap