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Multiple Choice
How many asymmetric carbon atoms are present in the compound (bromoethane)?
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the molecular structure of bromoethane, which has the formula C\_2H\_5Br. It consists of a two-carbon chain with a bromine atom attached to one of the carbons.
Recall that an asymmetric carbon (chiral center) is a carbon atom bonded to four different groups.
Examine each carbon atom in bromoethane: the first carbon (attached to bromine) is bonded to Br, H, the second carbon, and another hydrogen; the second carbon is bonded to three hydrogens and the first carbon.
Determine if any carbon has four different substituents. The first carbon has Br, H, C\_2H\_5 (the other carbon), and H, so it has two hydrogens attached, meaning it is not bonded to four different groups. The second carbon has three hydrogens, so it is also not asymmetric.
Conclude that there are no asymmetric carbon atoms in bromoethane because neither carbon is bonded to four distinct groups.