Question

Among the following compounds, one which exhibits optical activity:

• A. $1$-propanol
• B. $2$-propanol
• C. $1$-butanol
• D. $2$-butanol

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

$2$-butanol

2-Butanol contains a chiral carbon i.e. a carbon which is attached to four different atoms/groups. The chiral carbon is shown by asterisk in the above image image and it is attached to hydrogen, methyl, ethyl and hydroxyl groups.