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Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules is an example of a chiral compound?
A
benzene
B
ethanol
C
acetone
D
2-butanol
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 usually occurs when a carbon atom is bonded to four different groups, making it a stereocenter.
Examine the structure of benzene: Benzene is a planar, cyclic molecule with a formula of C6H6. It has no stereocenters because all carbon atoms are bonded to identical groups (hydrogen and other carbons in the ring), making it achiral.
Analyze the structure of ethanol: Ethanol (C2H5OH) has a central carbon atom bonded to three different groups (hydrogen, methyl group, and hydroxyl group), but it lacks a fourth different group, so it is not chiral.
Consider the structure of acetone: Acetone (CH3COCH3) has a central carbonyl carbon bonded to two identical methyl groups and an oxygen, which means it does not have four different groups attached, making it achiral.
Evaluate the structure of 2-butanol: 2-butanol (CH3CH(OH)CH2CH3) has a central carbon atom bonded to four different groups (hydroxyl group, methyl group, ethyl group, and hydrogen), making it a chiral molecule with a stereocenter.