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Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules is an example of a chiral compound?
A
ethanol
B
2-butanol
C
acetone
D
benzene
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 typically occurs when a carbon atom is bonded to four different substituents, creating a stereocenter.
Examine the structure of ethanol: Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH) has a central carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one hydroxyl group, which does not create a stereocenter, making it achiral.
Examine the structure of acetone: Acetone (CH₃COCH₃) has a central carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen and single-bonded to two methyl groups, which does not create a stereocenter, making it achiral.
Examine the structure of benzene: Benzene (C₆H₆) is a planar, cyclic molecule with alternating double bonds and no stereocenters, making it achiral.
Examine the structure of 2-butanol: 2-butanol (CH₃CH(OH)CH₂CH₃) has a central carbon atom bonded to a hydroxyl group, a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a hydrogen atom, creating a stereocenter and making it chiral.