Question

In 2-chloro-3,4-dimethylhexane, how many chiral C atoms are present?

• A. 3
• B. 6
• C. 4
• D. 1

Hint:

A chiral carbon must have four different substituents. Look for carbon atoms attached to a variety of groups in a molecule.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In 2-chloro-3,4-dimethylhexane, there are 3 chiral carbon atoms.

• Chiral Carbon: A carbon atom is considered chiral if it is attached to four different groups. In the case of 2-chloro-3,4-dimethylhexane, the chiral centers are located at the carbon atoms that have four distinct substituents.
• Structural analysis of 2-chloro-3,4-dimethylhexane:
  • The carbon at position 2 is attached to a chlorine atom (Cl), a methyl group (-CH₃), a -CH₂- group (connected to the rest of the hexane chain), and the adjacent carbon, making it a chiral center.
  • The carbon at position 3 is attached to a -CH₃ group, a -CH₂- group, and a hydrogen atom, making it another chiral center.
  • The carbon at position 4 is attached to a methyl group, a -CH₂- group, a hydrogen atom, and a carbon from the chain, making it the third chiral center.

Thus, there are three carbon atoms in 2-chloro-3,4-dimethylhexane that are chiral.