Question:medium

Molecules whose mirror image is non-superimposable over them are known as chiral. Which of the following molecules is chiral in nature?

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A chiral carbon is a carbon atom bonded to four different groups. Molecules containing such carbons are non-superimposable on their mirror images.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • \( \text{2-bromobutane} \)
  • \( \text{1-bromobutane} \)
  • \( \text{2-bromopropane} \)
  • \( \text{2-bromopropan-2-ol} \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

A chiral molecule possesses at least one chiral carbon atom. A chiral carbon is bonded to four distinct substituents, resulting in non-superimposable mirror images. Step 1: Evaluate each option.
Option (1): \( \text{2-bromobutane} \) The second carbon in \( \text{CH}_3\text{-CHBr-CH}_2\text{-CH}_3 \) is substituted with: A bromine atom (\( \text{Br} \)), A methyl group (\( \text{CH}_3 \)), An ethyl group (\( \text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3 \)), A hydrogen atom (\( \text{H} \)). As the second carbon is bonded to four different groups, \( \text{2-bromobutane} \) is chiral.
Option (2): \( \text{1-bromobutane} \) The first carbon in \( \text{CH}_3\text{-CH}_2\text{-CH}_2\text{-CH}_2\text{-Br} \) is bonded to: A bromine atom (\( \text{Br} \)), Two hydrogen atoms (\( \text{H} \)), A propyl group (\( \text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3 \)). The first carbon has two identical hydrogen substituents, thus \( \text{1-bromobutane} \) is not chiral.
Option (3): \( \text{2-bromopropane} \) The second carbon in \( \text{CH}_3\text{-CHBr-CH}_3 \) is bonded to: A bromine atom (\( \text{Br} \)), Two methyl groups (\( \text{CH}_3 \)), A hydrogen atom (\( \text{H} \)). This carbon is bonded to two identical methyl groups, rendering \( \text{2-bromopropane} \) achiral.
Option (4): \( \text{2-bromopropan-2-ol} \) The second carbon in \( \text{CH}_3\text{-CBr(OH)-CH}_3 \) is bonded to: A bromine atom (\( \text{Br} \)), A hydroxyl group (\( \text{OH} \)), Two methyl groups (\( \text{CH}_3 \)). This carbon is bonded to two identical methyl groups, therefore \( \text{2-bromopropan-2-ol} \) is achiral. Step 2: Conclusion. Of the provided options, only \( \text{2-bromobutane} \) contains a chiral carbon and is consequently chiral. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{2-bromobutane}} \]
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