Chemistry

Chemistry

Problem

Which of the following compounds can exist as optical isomers? - I. CH3CHBrCHClCH2OH\text{CH}_3\text{CHBrCHClCH}_2\text{OH} - II. CH3CH2CH(CH3)COOH\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}(\text{CH}_3)\text{COOH} - III. CH2ClCHBrCH3\text{CH}_2\text{ClCHBrCH}_3 a. II only b. II and III c. III only d. I, II and III
Intuitive explanation

Optical isomers arise when a molecule has a chiral center—a carbon bonded to four different groups. The key is to inspect each carbon atom and check whether any carbon has four distinct substituents; if so, the compound can exist as non-superimposable mirror images. Work through each compound systematically, paying special attention to carbons bearing multiple substituents or heteroatoms.

Intuitive explanation

Optical isomers arise when a molecule has a chiral center—a carbon bonded to four different groups. The key is to inspect each carbon atom and check whether any carbon has four distinct substituents; if so, the compound can exist as non-superimposable mirror images. Work through each compound systematically, paying special attention to carbons bearing multiple substituents or heteroatoms.

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