Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds

Chirality

GOB Chemistry

13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds

Chirality

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3:43 minutes

Problem 36b

Textbook Question

Mark the chiral centers in the following molecules, if any, with an asterisk (*):
(b)

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the definition of a chiral center: A chiral center is a carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups or atoms. This property makes the molecule non-superimposable on its mirror image.

Examine the structure of Pantothenic Acid (provided in the image) and locate all carbon atoms in the molecule.

For each carbon atom, check the groups or atoms attached to it. If a carbon atom is bonded to four different groups, mark it as a chiral center with an asterisk (*).

Pay special attention to carbon atoms in the molecule that are part of functional groups or branching chains, as these are more likely to be chiral centers.

Once all chiral centers are identified, ensure that no symmetry or identical groups invalidate the chirality of the marked carbons.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chirality

Chirality refers to the geometric property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image. Molecules that possess chirality have at least one chiral center, typically a carbon atom bonded to four different substituents. This property is crucial in biochemistry, as chiral molecules can have different biological activities depending on their orientation.

Chiral Centers

A chiral center, often a carbon atom, is a point in a molecule where the arrangement of atoms or groups leads to chirality. Identifying chiral centers is essential for understanding the stereochemistry of a compound, as these centers determine the molecule's optical activity and its interaction with biological systems. In practice, marking chiral centers with an asterisk (*) helps in visualizing and analyzing molecular structures.

Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and the impact of this arrangement on their chemical properties and reactions. It encompasses concepts such as chirality, isomerism, and conformational analysis. Understanding stereochemistry is vital for fields like drug design, where the efficacy of a compound can depend on its three-dimensional structure.