Question

Which of the following compounds has an asymmetric center?

Short answer

The compounds with the asymmetric center are:

a) This compound has an asymmetric center.

b) Not Asymmetric center.

c) This compound has an asymmetric center.

d) Not Asymmetric center.

e) Not Asymmetric center.

f) This compound has anasymmetric center.

Step-by-step solution

An asymmetric center or the chiral carbon

Chiral objects are those objects which do not have the same mirror images.

Therefore, the mirror images don’t superimpose each other.

The compounds whose mirror images superimpose each other are called achiral objects.

Chiral carbon is that carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups. As the mirror image of such compounds never superimposes each other.

Subpart (a)

Here, the central carbon atom is attached to one H-atom, two CH₃, and one CH₂CH₃

group. Because of the similarity between two CH₃ groups, this compound cannot be chiral and therefore it does not carry an asymmetric center.

Subpart (c)

Here, the central carbon atom is attached to one Br-atom, oneCH₃ , one CH₂ CH₃ and one CH₃ CH₂ CH₂ CH₃ group.

As the four groups attached are different, this is an asymmetrical centre.

Subpart (d)

CH₃ CH₂OH

Here, the central carbon atom is attached to two H-atoms, one CH₃ , one OH group.

Because of the similarity between the two H-atoms, this compound cannot be chiral and, therefore, it does not carry an asymmetric center.

Subpart (e)

Here, the central carbon atom is attached to one Br-atom, one H-atom, and two CH₂CH₃groups.

Because of the similarity between the two CH₂CH₃ groups, this compound cannot be chiral and therefore it does not carry an asymmetric centre.

Subpart (f)

Here, the central carbon atom is attached to one H-atom, one CH₃, one amineCH₃ and one amine NH₂ and one ethene CH=CH₂ group

As the four groups attached are different, therefore this is an asymmetric centre.