Which does not contain an asymmetric carbon atom?
A CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃
B CH₃CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃
C CH₃CH(OH)CH(OH)OH
D CH₃CH₂CHClCH₃ - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 26 - 2020 - Paper 3
Question 26
Which does not contain an asymmetric carbon atom?
A CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃
B CH₃CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃
C CH₃CH(OH)CH(OH)OH
D CH₃CH₂CHClCH₃
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which does not contain an asymmetric carbon atom?
A CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃
B CH₃CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃
C CH₃CH(OH)CH(OH)OH
D CH₃CH₂CHClCH₃ - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 26 - 2020 - Paper 3
Step 1
A CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃
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Answer
The carbon in focus here is bonded to three distinct groups: a methyl group (CH₃), a propyl chain (CH₂CH₃), and a hydrogen atom. This carbon is asymmetric.
Step 2
B CH₃CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃
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Answer
This carbon is bonded to a methyl group (CH₃), an ethyl group (CH₂CH₃), and a hydrogen atom, making it asymmetric.
Step 3
C CH₃CH(OH)CH(OH)OH
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Answer
The central carbons in this compound are each connected to different substituents, including hydroxyl groups, so these carbons are asymmetric.
Step 4
D CH₃CH₂CHClCH₃
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Answer
In this structure, the carbon bonded to chlorine (Cl) is also attached to two more hydrogen atoms and a CH₂ group. There are two identical hydrogen atoms attached, hence this carbon is symmetric.
