Question

Choose the achiral molecule in the following:

• A. \({2-bromobutane} \)
• B. \({3-nitropentane} \)
• C. \({3-chlorobut-1-ene} \)
• D. \({1-bromoethanol} \)
• E. \({2-hydroxypropanoic acid} \)

Hint:

To check for chirality, identify carbons attached to four different groups. If a molecule has a plane of symmetry or lacks a chiral center, it is achiral.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding chirality
A molecule is chiral if it has at least one chiral center (a carbon attached to four different groups). A molecule is achiral if it lacks chirality, meaning it either has a plane of symmetry or does not have a chiral center. 
Step 2: Analyzing each option 
(A) 2-bromobutane: The carbon at position 2 is attached to four different groups, making it chiral. 
(B) 3-nitropentane: - The carbon at position 3 is bonded to two identical ethyl (\(-{CH}_2{CH}_3\)) groups. - Since it lacks four distinct groups, it is achiral. 
(C) 3-chlorobut-1-ene: Has a potential chiral center. 
(D) 1-bromoethanol: Contains a chiral carbon due to four different groups. (E) 2-hydroxypropanoic acid: Contains a chiral carbon at position 2. 
Step 3: Conclusion The only molecule without a chiral center is 3-nitropentane. Hence, it is the achiral molecule.