Question

Observe structures of the following compounds

The total number of structures/compounds which possess asymmetric carbon atoms is _____.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3

 To determine the number of structures with asymmetric carbon atoms, we follow the concept of chirality in organic compounds. An asymmetric carbon atom is a carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups.

1. Compound 1: Chloropropane (Cl-CH(CH₃)-CH₃).
   The central carbon atom is bonded to Cl, H, CH₃, and CH₂CH₃. Thus, it is chiral.
2. Compound 2: Alanine (NH₂-CH(CH₃)-COOH).
   The central carbon atom is bonded to NH₂, COOH, CH₃, and H. Hence, it is chiral.
3. Compound 3: Serine (NH₂-CH(CH₂OH)-COOH).
   The central carbon is attached to NH₂, COOH, CH₂OH, and H, making it chiral.
4. Compound 4: Styrene.
   No carbon in this compound is connected to four different groups, so it has no asymmetric carbon.
5. Compound 5: α-Pinene.
   The carbon bonded to the OH group is connected to four different groups, making it chiral.

The total number of compounds with asymmetric carbon atoms is 4.
This value is within the given range of 3 to 3, verifying its correctness.