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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3:34 minutes

Problem 35a

Textbook Question

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

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 asymmetry makes the carbon atom chiral.

Examine the structure of the molecule provided in the image. Focus on each carbon atom individually to determine if it is bonded to four distinct groups or atoms.

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

If a carbon atom is bonded to two or more identical groups, it cannot be a chiral center. Skip marking such carbons.

Repeat this process for all carbon atoms in the molecule to ensure no chiral centers are missed. Mark all identified chiral centers with an asterisk (*).

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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. A chiral molecule typically has at least one carbon atom bonded to four different substituents, creating two distinct forms known as enantiomers. Understanding chirality is essential for identifying chiral centers in organic compounds.

Chiral Centers

A chiral center, often a carbon atom, is a point in a molecule where the interchange of two groups leads to a different configuration. Identifying chiral centers is crucial for determining the optical activity of a compound, as these centers are responsible for the molecule's ability to rotate plane-polarized light. In the context of the question, marking these centers is necessary for proper stereochemical representation.

Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry is the study of the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and how this arrangement affects their chemical properties and reactions. It encompasses concepts like chirality and enantiomers, which are vital for understanding how different molecular configurations can lead to different biological activities. In the given question, a solid grasp of stereochemistry is needed to accurately identify and mark chiral centers.