Question detail
What is the effect of having a chiral carbon atom in a molecule?
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. It makes the molecule symmetrical
- B. It allows for the formation of optical isomers
- C. It increases the molecular weight
- D. It changes the boiling point
Answer
It allows for the formation of optical isomers
Explanation
The presence of a chiral carbon atom in a molecule is the cause that leads to the formation of optical isomers, as it creates a situation where two non-superimposable mirror images can exist. This mechanism results in the effect of having distinct optical properties, such as the ability to rotate plane-polarised light in opposite directions. The consequence is that these isomers can have different biological activities and properties.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Optical Activity
Students often think that all organic molecules can rotate plane-polarised light, regardless of their structure.
Understand that only chiral molecules, which have a non-superimposable mirror image, can rotate plane-polarised light due to their specific spatial arrangement of atoms.
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