Explain the difference between asymmetric (chiral) and symmetric (achiral) molecules.
(N/A) The difference between asymmetric (chiral) and symmetric (achiral) molecules is as follows:
| Feature | Asymmetric (Chiral) | Symmetric (Achiral) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| $(i)$ Definition | Molecules where all four groups attached to the carbon atom are different. | Molecules where all four groups attached to the carbon atom are not different. |
| $(ii)$ Property | They exhibit chirality. | They exhibit achirality. |
| $(iii)$ Superimposability | They are non-superimposable on their mirror images. | They are superimposable on their mirror images. |
| $(iv)$ Examples | Left and right hands,feet,$CHClBrI$. | Glass,circle,$CHClBr_2$. |
| $(v)$ Optical Activity | They are optically active. e.g.,$Butan-2-ol$. | They are optically inactive. e.g.,$Propan-2-ol$.
| Feature | Asymmetric (Chiral) | Symmetric (Achiral) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| $(i)$ Definition | Molecules where all four groups attached to the carbon atom are different. | Molecules where all four groups attached to the carbon atom are not different. |
| $(ii)$ Property | They exhibit chirality. | They exhibit achirality. |
| $(iii)$ Superimposability | They are non-superimposable on their mirror images. | They are superimposable on their mirror images. |
| $(iv)$ Examples | Left and right hands,feet,$CHClBrI$. | Glass,circle,$CHClBr_2$. |
| $(v)$ Optical Activity | They are optically active. e.g.,$Butan-2-ol$. | They are optically inactive. e.g.,$Propan-2-ol$.
Explore More
Similar Questions
Which of the following properties is $NOT$ identical for enantiomers?
What is a substance called that can rotate the plane of plane-polarized light?
Easy
View SolutionSolutions of optically active isomers rotate the plane of polarized light in a polarimeter. Match the following columns $(I)$ with $(II), (III)$,and $(IV)$ correctly:
$(I)$ Optical Activity $(II)$ Form $(III)$ Sign $(IV)$ Rotation $(A)$ Dextrorotatory $d$ $(+)$ Right $(B)$ Laevorotatory $l$ $(-)$ Left $(C)$ Optically Inactive (Racemic) $dl$ $(\pm)$ Zero rotation
| $(I)$ Optical Activity | $(II)$ Form | $(III)$ Sign | $(IV)$ Rotation |
| $(A)$ Dextrorotatory | $d$ | $(+)$ | Right |
| $(B)$ Laevorotatory | $l$ | $(-)$ | Left |
| $(C)$ Optically Inactive (Racemic) | $dl$ | $(\pm)$ | Zero rotation |
Difficult
View SolutionWhich of the following statements is false about the given structures?
Medium
View SolutionWhat is the process of separating a racemic mixture into pure $(+)$ and $(-)$ enantiomers called?
Easy
View SolutionVedclass Products
For Students
Vedclass Test Series
Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.
Start Free TrialFor Teachers
Exam Paper Generator
Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.
Try FreeFor Institutes
Online Exam Module
Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.
See Demo