Complementarity of electronic and vibrational circular dichroism based on stereochemical studies of vic-diols

•Chiroptical spectroscopy provides information about structure of chiral molecules.•Electronic and vibrational circular dichroism instruments for chiroptical methods.•Using more than one chiroptical method improves confidence in chiral analysis.•Electronic and vibrational circular dichroism techniques are complementary.

Electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) measure the same phenomenon. For this reason, the question may arise as to whether one of these methods may supersede the other. In this work, we explore this issue by discussing the scope of applicability and the limitations of both methods. For a variety of examples with vic-diols, the applicability of one or the other method depends on the nature of the problem. We also discuss the challenges associated with using either method. Our conclusion, based on the results presented, clearly indicates the complementary interaction of ECD and VCD techniques, so we can say that ECD and VCD are partners, not competitors. Furthermore, application of both methods dramatically improves the level of confidence of chiral analysis when determining the absolute configuration of a molecule.

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