Evaluating a degree of molecular symmetry and chirality

A method of evaluating a degree of molecular symmetry is suggested. The sym metry criteria calculated by this technique are useful for predicting phase transition temperatures in mesogen compounds. Methods of evaluating chiral ity avoiding molecular representation as a set of simplices are proposed. T he efficiency of these methods is verified on model structures belonging to different symmetry groups. The new approach may be used to analyze stereoc hemical relationships between atoms in a molecule.