Chiral means?

Chiral means?

• A. A molecule that is superimposable on its mirror image
• B. A molecule that is not superimposable on its mirror image
• C. A molecule with internal symmetry
• D. A meso compound

Answer: (B)

Chirality means a molecule is not superimposable on its mirror image. This happens when the 3D arrangement of atoms cannot be rotated to line up with its mirror reflection, giving two non-identical forms known as enantiomers. If a molecule has an internal mirror plane or center of symmetry, it becomes achiral, meaning it is superimposable on its mirror image. Meso compounds are another example of achiral structures despite having stereocenters. So the defining idea is the non-superimposability with the mirror image, which distinguishes chiral molecules from achiral ones.

Chirality means a molecule is not superimposable on its mirror image. This happens when the 3D arrangement of atoms cannot be rotated to line up with its mirror reflection, giving two non-identical forms known as enantiomers. If a molecule has an internal mirror plane or center of symmetry, it becomes achiral, meaning it is superimposable on its mirror image. Meso compounds are another example of achiral structures despite having stereocenters. So the defining idea is the non-superimposability with the mirror image, which distinguishes chiral molecules from achiral ones.