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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is true regarding the chirality of a molecule?
A
A chiral molecule has an enantiomer.
B
A chiral molecule has a plane of symmetry.
C
A chiral molecule is superimposable on its mirror image.
D
A chiral molecule must have a double bond.
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 a fundamental property of molecules that leads to the existence of enantiomers, which are pairs of molecules that are mirror images of each other but not identical.
Evaluate the statement 'A chiral molecule has an enantiomer': This statement is true because chirality inherently means that the molecule has a non-superimposable mirror image, which is its enantiomer.
Consider the statement 'A chiral molecule has a plane of symmetry': A chiral molecule does not have a plane of symmetry. If a molecule has a plane of symmetry, it is achiral because it can be superimposed on its mirror image.
Analyze the statement 'A chiral molecule is superimposable on its mirror image': This statement is false. The defining characteristic of chirality is that the molecule is not superimposable on its mirror image.
Examine the statement 'A chiral molecule must have a double bond': Chirality is not dependent on the presence of a double bond. Many chiral molecules do not have double bonds, and the presence of a double bond does not necessarily make a molecule chiral.