Question

Identify the asymmetric carbon in this molecule:

Short answer

(a) The option “a” is false.

(b) The option “b” is true.

(c) The option “c” is false.

(d) The option “d” is false.

(e) The option “e” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Characteristics of carbon

Carbon is an element that has four electrons in its valence shell. Thus, it is able to form four covalent bonds with other elements or groups. When a carbon is bonded to four separate elements or groups in an organic molecule, it is called asymmetric.

When carbon is not bonded to four separate elements or groups, it is called symmetric.

Explanation of option (a)

The carbon ‘a’ is attached to three separate atoms and groups (O, H, and C₄H₈OH). It is attached to only three atoms or groups as it is doubled bonded to an oxygen atom.

Thus, the carbon ‘a’ is not asymmetric.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option (b)

The carbon ‘b’ is attached to four separate atoms and groups (CO, H, OH, and C₄H₈).

As all the carbon bonds are bonded to separate groups and atoms, the carbon ‘b’ is asymmetric.

Therefore, the given option is true.

Explanation of option (c)

The carbon ‘c’ is attached to three separate atoms and groups (C₂H₃O₂, H, and C₂H₅). The carbon ‘c’ is connected to two hydrogen atoms and does not have all different groups and atoms.

Thus, carbon ‘c’ is not asymmetric.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option (d)

The carbon‘d’ is attached to three separate atoms and groups (C₃H₅O₂, H, and CH₃). The carbon ‘d’ is connected to two hydrogen atoms and does not have all separate groups and atoms.

Thus, the carbon ‘d’ is not asymmetric.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option (e)

The carbon ‘e’ is attached to two separate atoms and groups (C₄H7O₂and H). The carbon ‘e’ is connected to three hydrogen atoms and does not have all separate groups and atoms.

Thus, the carbon ‘e’ is not asymmetric.

Therefore, the given option is false.