Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes a chiral molecule?
5. Chirality
Chirality
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Which of the following statements best describes the consequence of chirality in organic molecules?
A
Chiral molecules are always symmetrical and have a plane of symmetry.
B
Chiral molecules can exist as enantiomers, which have identical physical properties but differ in their interaction with polarized light.
C
Chiral molecules are always optically inactive and do not rotate plane-polarized light.
D
Chiral molecules can only exist in a single configuration and do not have enantiomers.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of chirality: Chirality in organic molecules refers to a property where a molecule is not superimposable on its mirror image. This is often due to the presence of an asymmetric carbon atom, also known as a chiral center.
Identify the characteristics of chiral molecules: Chiral molecules typically do not have a plane of symmetry and are not symmetrical. This lack of symmetry is what allows them to exist as non-superimposable mirror images, known as enantiomers.
Explore the properties of enantiomers: Enantiomers are pairs of chiral molecules that are mirror images of each other. They have identical physical properties, such as melting point and boiling point, but they differ in the way they interact with plane-polarized light. One enantiomer will rotate plane-polarized light in one direction, while the other will rotate it in the opposite direction.
Clarify optical activity: Chiral molecules are optically active, meaning they can rotate plane-polarized light. This is a key property that distinguishes them from achiral molecules, which are optically inactive.
Evaluate the given statements: Based on the understanding of chirality and enantiomers, the statement that best describes the consequence of chirality in organic molecules is that chiral molecules can exist as enantiomers, which have identical physical properties but differ in their interaction with polarized light.
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