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

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best describes chirality in organic molecules?

Chirality occurs when a molecule has a plane of symmetry, making it superimposable on its mirror image.

Chirality is the phenomenon where molecules have the same molecular formula but different connectivity of atoms.

Chirality refers to the presence of a carbon atom bonded to four different groups, resulting in non-superimposable mirror images.

Chirality is the ability of a molecule to rotate plane-polarized light to the left or right.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of chirality: Chirality in organic chemistry refers to a property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image. This is often due to the presence of a chiral center, typically a carbon atom bonded to four different groups.

Identify the chiral center: A chiral center is usually a carbon atom that is bonded to four distinct substituents. This unique arrangement leads to two non-superimposable mirror images, known as enantiomers.

Evaluate the statements: Analyze each statement provided in the problem to determine which one accurately describes chirality. Consider the definition and characteristics of chiral molecules.

Statement analysis: The first statement mentions a plane of symmetry, which is incorrect for chirality as chiral molecules lack a plane of symmetry. The second statement describes isomerism, not chirality. The third statement correctly identifies the presence of a carbon atom bonded to four different groups, leading to non-superimposable mirror images. The fourth statement refers to optical activity, which is a property of chiral molecules but not the definition of chirality itself.

Select the correct statement: Based on the analysis, the third statement is the most accurate description of chirality in organic molecules, as it highlights the presence of a chiral center leading to non-superimposable mirror images.