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Multiple Choice
How many asymmetric carbons are present in the compound 2-bromo-3-chlorobutane?
A
2
B
3
C
4
D
1
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the structure of 2-bromo-3-chlorobutane. The compound is a four-carbon alkane (butane) with a bromine atom attached to the second carbon and a chlorine atom attached to the third carbon.
Draw the structure of 2-bromo-3-chlorobutane. Start with the butane backbone: CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃. Then, add the bromine (Br) to the second carbon and the chlorine (Cl) to the third carbon.
Determine the definition of an asymmetric carbon. An asymmetric carbon, also known as a chiral center, is a carbon atom that is attached to four different groups.
Examine each carbon atom in the structure to see if it is bonded to four different groups. Check the second carbon (with Br) and the third carbon (with Cl) to see if they meet the criteria for being asymmetric.
Count the number of asymmetric carbons in the structure. Each carbon that is bonded to four different groups is considered asymmetric. Identify and count these carbons in the structure of 2-bromo-3-chlorobutane.