Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is true regarding chirality in organic molecules?
A
A chiral molecule must contain a double bond.
B
A chiral molecule and its mirror image are superimposable.
C
A chiral molecule has a plane of symmetry.
D
A chiral molecule has an enantiomer.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of chirality: A chiral molecule is one that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. This is often due to the presence of an asymmetric carbon atom, which is a carbon atom bonded to four different groups.
Evaluate the first statement: 'A chiral molecule must contain a double bond.' Double bonds do not inherently cause chirality. In fact, double bonds often lead to planar structures, which are typically not chiral. Therefore, this statement is false.
Evaluate the second statement: 'A chiral molecule and its mirror image are superimposable.' By definition, chiral molecules are not superimposable on their mirror images. This is a key characteristic of chirality, making this statement false.
Evaluate the third statement: 'A chiral molecule has a plane of symmetry.' A plane of symmetry would make a molecule achiral, as it would allow the molecule to be superimposed on its mirror image. Therefore, this statement is false.
Evaluate the fourth statement: 'A chiral molecule has an enantiomer.' Enantiomers are pairs of molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. Thus, a chiral molecule will always have an enantiomer, making this statement true.