A stereocenter is a specific atom in a molecule, usually a carbon atom, that is bonded to four different substituents, leading to the existence of stereoisomers. The presence of a stereocenter creates chirality in the molecule, which is crucial for determining the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms and the resulting optical activity. Understanding stereocenters is essential for grasping concepts like enantiomers and diastereomers, particularly in reactions such as Claisen condensation.
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