Photo AI
Which compounds contain a chiral centre? 1 - CIE - A-Level Chemistry - Question 37 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 37
Which compounds contain a chiral centre? 1. 2-hydroxybutanoic acid 2. 3-hydroxybutanoic acid 3. 4-hydroxybutanoic acid
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which compounds contain a chiral centre? 1 - CIE - A-Level Chemistry - Question 37 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
1. 2-hydroxybutanoic acid
Answer
2-hydroxybutanoic acid has a chiral center because the carbon atom to which the hydroxy group (OH) is attached is also bonded to three different substituents: a carboxylic acid (COOH), a hydrogen atom (H), and a butyl group (C4H9). Thus, it meets the criteria for chirality.
Step 2
Step 3
3. 4-hydroxybutanoic acid
Answer
4-hydroxybutanoic acid also does not contain a chiral center. The carbon that carries the hydroxy group is similarly bonded to a hydrogen atom and two carbon chains (both part of butanoic acid), meaning it lacks the necessary distinct groups to be considered chiral.