Question

Which of the following compounds is not chiral ?

• A. $DCH_2CH_2CH_2CI$
• B. $CH_3CH_2CHDCI$
• C. $CH_3CHDCH_2CI$
• D. $CH_3CHCICH_2D$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question asks which of the given compounds is not chiral. To determine chirality, we must understand that a chiral compound is one that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image, typically due to the presence of an asymmetric carbon atom (a carbon atom bonded to four different groups).

Let's analyze each option:

1. DCH_2CH_2CH_2CI: In this compound, all the carbon atoms are bonded either to two hydrogen atoms or a combination of -D and -CI, with a linear arrangement and no carbon atoms having four different substituents. This indicates that it is not chiral.
2. CH_3CH_2CHDCI: The second carbon atom in this compound is bonded to four different groups: -CH₃, -CH₂, -D, and -CI. Thus, this compound is chiral.
3. CH_3CHDCH_2CI: Here, the middle carbon atom is attached to four different groups, making it a chiral center. Therefore, this compound is chiral.
4. CH_3CHCICH_2D: The second carbon atom is surrounded by four different atoms or groups, including -CH₃, -CI, -CH₂, and -D, indicating it is also chiral.

Based on this analysis, DCH_2CH_2CH_2CI is the only compound without an asymmetric carbon, making it not chiral.

Correct Answer: DCH_2CH_2CH_2CI