Asked by randy cortez on May 25, 2024
Verified
Can a molecule be chiral if it contains no asymmetric carbons? Explain briefly.
Chiral
Describes a molecule that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image, often resulting in molecules that have different biological activities.
Asymmetric Carbons
Carbon atoms bonded to four different groups, creating a chiral center and leading to possible optical isomerism.
- Comprehend the principle of chirality and its significance in chemical substances.
- Describe how molecular symmetry influences chirality and optical behavior.
Verified Answer
JS
James ShermanMay 26, 2024
Final Answer :
Yes. The presence of asymmetric carbons is not required for a molecule to be chiral. The only requirement is that the molecule be nonsuperimposable with its mirror image. Structural features other than asymmetric carbons can lead to chirality.
Learning Objectives
- Comprehend the principle of chirality and its significance in chemical substances.
- Describe how molecular symmetry influences chirality and optical behavior.