Fischer projection

In biochemistry, a Fischer projection is a representation of an organic molecule by projection. The carbon chain is depicted vertically. The orientation of the carbon chain is so that the C1 carbon is up. Fischer projections are most commonly used to represent monosaccharides, but can also be used for amino acids. It shows the stereochemical (e.g. three-dimensional) structure of a molecule. From a given atom, vertical bonds point behind the paper plane, while horizontal bonds point out of the paper plane.

The Fischer projection is named after Emil Fischer.

See also

• Haworth projection