quiral: a computer program for the synthesis of chiral molecules from sugars

The quiral computer program analyzes the 3D structure of a target organic molecule to find which sugar(s) can be used as a starting material for its synthesis. The program also proposes schemes for the preparation of rare or unavailable sugars whose chiral centers fit with those of the target molecule. Castanospermine, an anti-HIV natural compound is chosen as an example to illustrate what the quiral program achieves.