Question

Is the following compound optically active?

Short answer

The compound is not optically active as it has point of symmetry.

Step-by-step solution

Some definitions:

Optically active:

The compounds that rotates the plane of polarization of plane-polarized light. Chiral carbons are optically active .

What is asymmetric centre or chiral carbon-

Chiral objects are those objects which have no same mirror images. The mirror images don’t superimpose each other. whose mirror images superimpose each other that compounds are called achiral objects.

Chiral carbon is that carbon atom which is bonded to four different groups.

Final answer

The compound is not optically active as it has point of symmetry.

A point of symmetry= If a line drawn to this point from an atom or group and then extended an equal distance beyond the point , the line would touch an identical atom or group.