The rapid and successful strides in quantum chemistry in the past
decades can be largely credited to a conspicuous synergy between
theoretical and computational advancements. However, the architectural
computer archetype that enabled such a progress is approaching a state
of more stagnant development. One of the most promising technological
avenues for the continuing progress of quantum chemistry is the emerging
quantum computing paradigm. This revolutionary proposal comes with
several challenges, which span a wide array of disciplines. In
chemistry, it implies, among other things, a need to reformulate some of
its long established cornerstones in order to adjust to the operational
demands and constraints of quantum computers. Due to its relatively
recent emergence, much of quantum computing may still seem fairly
nebulous and largely unknown to most chemists. It is in this context
that here we review and illustrate the basic aspects of quantum
information and their relation to quantum computing insofar as enabling
simulations of quantum chemistry. We consider some of the most relevant
developments in light of these aspects and discuss the current landscape
when of relevance to quantum chemical simulations in quantum computers.