https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01051
Chemoselectivity is the preferential reaction of a chemical @R05190@ with one of two or more different functional groups. A @R05190@ has a high chemoselectivity if reaction occurs with only a limited number of different functional groups. For example, sodium tetrahydroborate is a more chemoselective reducing agent than is lithium tetrahydroaluminate. The concept has not been defined in more quantitative terms. The term is also applied to reacting molecules or intermediates which exhibit @S05563@ towards chemically different reagents. Some authors use the term @C01052@ for 100% chemoselectivity. However, this usage is discouraged.
See also:
regioselectivity
, stereoselectivity
, stereospecificity