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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4:25 minutes

Problem 46k

Textbook Question

Classify the following objects and molecules as chiral or achiral.
(k)

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of chirality. A molecule or object is chiral if it cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. This typically occurs when a carbon atom is bonded to four different groups, creating a stereocenter. If the molecule has a plane of symmetry or can be superimposed on its mirror image, it is achiral.

Step 2: Examine the structure of the given molecule or object (k). Look for the presence of a stereocenter, which is a carbon atom bonded to four distinct groups. If no stereocenter is present, the molecule is likely achiral.

Step 3: Check for symmetry in the molecule. If the molecule has a plane of symmetry or a center of symmetry, it is achiral. If no symmetry is present, it may be chiral.

Step 4: Consider the three-dimensional arrangement of the groups around the carbon atom. If the groups are arranged in such a way that the molecule and its mirror image are non-superimposable, the molecule is chiral.

Step 5: Based on the analysis of the structure, stereocenters, and symmetry, classify the given molecule or object (k) as either chiral or achiral.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chirality

Chirality refers to the geometric property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image. A chiral molecule typically has at least one carbon atom bonded to four different substituents, resulting in two distinct enantiomers. This property is crucial in organic chemistry as it affects the behavior of molecules in biological systems and their interactions with polarized light.

Achirality

Achirality describes molecules that are superimposable on their mirror images, meaning they do not have a chiral center. Common examples include molecules with a plane of symmetry or those that are symmetrical in structure. Understanding achirality is essential for distinguishing between chiral and achiral substances in organic chemistry.

Stereoisomerism

Stereoisomerism is a form of isomerism where molecules have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms. This includes both enantiomers (chiral) and diastereomers (not necessarily chiral). Recognizing stereoisomers is vital for classifying molecules as chiral or achiral, as the spatial arrangement can significantly influence their chemical properties and biological activity.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Citrate synthase, one of the enzymes in the series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions known as the citric acid cycle, catalyzes the synthesis of citric acid from oxaloacetic acid and acetyl-CoA. If the synthesis is carried out with acetyl-CoA that contains radioactive carbon (14C) in the indicated position, the isomer shown here is obtained.

b. If the acetyl-CoA used in the synthesis contains 12C instead of 14C, will the product of the reaction be chiral or achiral?

Textbook Question

Make a model and draw a three-dimensional structure for each compound. Then draw the mirror image of your original structure and determine whether the mirror image is the same compound. Label each structure as being chiral or achiral, and label pairs of enantiomers.

(d) 2-bromobutane

Textbook Question

Classify the following objects and molecules as chiral or achiral.

(l)

Textbook Question

Identify the following molecules as chiral or achiral. If chiral, draw the nonsuperimposable mirror image and verify its nonsuperimposability.

(c)

Textbook Question

As we learned in Chapter 2, we don't need to show hydrogens bonded to carbons when drawing organic molecules using line-angle formulas. At asymmetric centers, however, we often show the hydrogen. Why? When might it be unnecessary to show the hydrogen at a chiral center?

Textbook Question

Identify the following molecules as chiral or achiral. If chiral, draw the nonsuperimposable mirror image and verify its nonsuperimposability.

(e)

Textbook Question

Classify the following objects and molecules as chiral or achiral.

(a) <IMAGE>

Textbook Question

Classify the following objects and molecules as chiral or achiral.

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