The total number of structures/compounds which possess asymmetric carbon atoms is ____.ABCDE
Answer: 3
Solution
A carbon atom is asymmetric (chiral) if it is bonded to four different groups.
Examining each structure:
Structure A (2-chlorobutane): The C-2 carbon is bonded to Cl, H, CH₃, and CH₂CH₃ — four different groups. Chiral.
Structure B (glycine): The central carbon is bonded to NH₂, H, H, and COOH — two H atoms, so not chiral.
Structure C (alanine): The C-2 carbon is bonded to NH₂, H, CH₃, and COOH — four different groups. Chiral.
Structure D (styrene): No sp³ carbon with four different substituents. Not chiral.
Structure E (menthol): The carbon bearing OH and the carbon bearing isopropyl group are both bonded to four different groups. Chiral (contains asymmetric carbons).
Total compounds with asymmetric carbon atoms: 3 (A, C, E)
Answer: 3
JEE Main · 2022 · 29 Jun 2022 · Shift 1 · Integer answer
