Question

Which of the following statements is true about a chiral carbon?

• A. A chiral carbon is attached to two identical groups.
• B. A chiral carbon must be attached to four different groups.
• C. A chiral carbon cannot exist in molecules with symmetry.
• D. A chiral carbon is always part of an alkene.

Hint:

A chiral carbon is defined by its attachment to four different groups. This asymmetry leads to chirality, which is fundamental in stereochemistry.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

A chiral carbon is a carbon atom that is attached to four different groups. This gives rise to chirality, which results in non-superimposable mirror images, or enantiomers. A molecule with a chiral carbon is asymmetric and does not have symmetry. - Option (A) is incorrect because a chiral carbon cannot be attached to two identical groups, as this would create a plane of symmetry, making the carbon achiral.
- Option (C) is incorrect because chiral carbons can exist in molecules with symmetry, as long as they are attached to four different groups.
- Option (D) is incorrect because a chiral carbon is not always part of an alkene; it can be part of many other types of molecules as well. Therefore, the correct answer is option (B).