The protons marked H_a and H_b in the molecule below are ________.

A) chemically equivalent
B) enantiotopic
C) diastereotopic
D) endotopic
E) none of the above

Chemically Equivalent

Term used to describe atoms or groups in a molecule that have identical chemical environments and exhibit the same chemical behavior.

Diastereotopic

Describes hydrogen atoms or groups attached to the same carbon atom that are not equivalent in the three-dimensional spatial configuration, leading to non-superimposable structures.

Enantiotopic

Referring to atoms or groups in a molecule that are mirror images of each other but are not superimposable, often relating to prochiral centers.