Step 1: Define Chiral Compounds.
A chiral compound is a molecule that is not superimposable on its mirror image. This means that the compound has a specific asymmetry or handedness, often due to the presence of a carbon atom attached to four different groups, forming a chiral center.
Step 2: Define Achiral Compounds.
An achiral compound, on the other hand, is a molecule that is superimposable on its mirror image. These compounds do not exhibit chirality and can be symmetric, lacking a chiral center.
Step 3: Key Difference Between Chiral and Achiral Compounds.
- Chiral compounds are optically active, meaning they can rotate plane-polarized light.
- Achiral compounds do not show optical activity as they can be superimposed on their mirror image.
Final Answer:
Chiral compounds are those that are not superimposable on their mirror image and are optically active. Achiral compounds can be superimposed on their mirror image and do not show optical activity.
Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{\text{Chiral compounds are non-superimposable on their mirror image, while achiral compounds are superimposable on their mirror image.}}
\]
