Terminology Related to the Phenomenon 'Self-Disproportionation of Enantiomers' (SDE)

Terms related to the phenomenon self-disproportion of enantiomers (SDE) are discussed, particularly with respect to recently suggested alternative terms. Of the numerous terms proffered to describe this phenomenon, it is recommended that the acronym SDE be retained based on its qualities and the fact that its perceived shortcomings are invalid. The term can be readily applied to any process that exhibits the phenomenon of transforming a scalemic sample into fractions containing different enantiomeric compositions in comparison to the enantiomeric composition of the starting sample, and is not restricted solely to chromatographic occurrences. Chromatographic observations, though, can be specifically described by the term enantiomer self-disproportionation over achiral chromatography (ESDAC). Use of the term homochiral in concert with its intended original meaning is also advocated.