Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

5. Chirality

Chirality

Organic Chemistry

5. Chirality

Chirality

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Organic Chemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best explains the chirality observed in certain organic molecules?

Chirality arises due to the presence of a chiral center, typically a carbon atom bonded to four different groups.

Chirality is due to the presence of double bonds in a molecule.

Chirality is a result of molecules having identical groups attached to a central atom.

Chirality occurs when molecules have a symmetrical arrangement of atoms.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of chirality: Chirality in organic chemistry refers to a molecule's property of being non-superimposable on its mirror image, much like left and right hands.

Identify the chiral center: A chiral center is typically a carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups or atoms. This unique arrangement leads to two non-superimposable mirror images, known as enantiomers.

Evaluate the options: Consider the explanation that chirality arises due to the presence of a chiral center, which is the most accurate description of why certain organic molecules exhibit chirality.

Analyze the incorrect options: Chirality is not due to double bonds, as these do not create non-superimposable mirror images. Identical groups attached to a central atom do not result in chirality, as they do not create the necessary asymmetry. Symmetrical arrangements of atoms do not lead to chirality, as symmetry implies superimposability.

Conclude with the correct explanation: The presence of a chiral center, typically a carbon atom bonded to four different groups, is the best explanation for the chirality observed in certain organic molecules.