Question

Which of the following compound is not chiral?

• A. ${\mathrm{DCH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{Cl}$
• B. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CHDCH}}_2\mathrm{Cl}$
• C. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CHClCH}}_2\mathrm{D}$
• D. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{CHDCl}$

Answer 1

The correct option is A

${\mathrm{DCH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{Cl}$

Explanation for the correct option:

(A) ${\mathrm{DCH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{Cl}$

• In the case of ${\mathrm{DCH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{Cl}$, there is no chiral carbon atom.
• “A chiral carbon atom has four different groups attached to it.”
• “A chiral center is defined as an atom in a molecule that is bonded to four different chemical species, allowing for optical isomerism.”
• The structure is given below:

Explanation for incorrect options:

(B) ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CHDCH}}_2\mathrm{Cl}$

(C) ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CHClCH}}_2\mathrm{D}$

(D) ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{CHDCl}$

Hence, the correct option is (A) i.e. ${\mathrm{DCH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{Cl}$.