Question detail
Which of the following molecules contains a chiral carbon atom?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Optical isomerism (A-level only)
Question
- A. Butane
- B. 2-butanol
- C. Propane
- D. Cyclohexane
Answer
2-butanol
Explanation
A chiral carbon atom is one that is attached to four different groups. 2-butanol has a chiral carbon, while the other options do not.
Common mistake
Identifying Optical Isomers
Students often fail to recognize that optical isomers must be non-superimposable mirror images of each other.
To fix this, remember that for two molecules to be optical isomers, they must have chiral centers and cannot be aligned perfectly when one is placed over the other.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Press Space to flip, arrows to move
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.
0 of 4 attempted