What is the meaning of chiral carbon Related: Detailed Chapter Notes - Biomolecules and Polymers, Class 12, Chemistry?

Question

What is the meaning of chiral carbon Related:  Detailed Chapter Notes - Biomolecules and Polymers, Class 12, Chemistry?

Answer

A chiral carbon atom is a carbon atom to which all the four groups or atoms attached are different....

Answer

An asymmetric carbon atom is a carbon atom that is attached to four different types of atoms or groups of atom

Answer

Chiral Carbon

A chiral carbon, also known as an asymmetric carbon, is a carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups or atoms. This unique arrangement of atoms around the carbon atom results in a non-superimposable mirror image relationship between the molecule and its mirror image.

Explanation

Definition: A chiral carbon is a carbon atom that is attached to four different groups or atoms.

Chirality: Chirality refers to the property of a molecule that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. In other words, a chiral molecule exists in two non-superimposable forms called enantiomers.

Enantiomers: Enantiomers are mirror images of each other that cannot be superimposed. They have the same chemical and physical properties, except for their interaction with other chiral molecules.

Stereocenter: A stereocenter is a carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups or atoms. Chiral carbons are examples of stereocenters.

Optical Activity: Chiral molecules can rotate the plane of polarized light. This property is known as optical activity. Enantiomers rotate the plane of polarized light in equal but opposite directions.

R and S Configuration: The configuration of a chiral carbon is determined using the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) rules. If the priority groups are arranged in a clockwise direction, it is labeled as R. If they are arranged counterclockwise, it is labeled as S.

Biological Significance: Chiral carbon atoms are found in many biological molecules, such as amino acids, sugars, and nucleotides. The chirality of these molecules plays a crucial role in their biological function and interactions.

Conclusion

In summary, a chiral carbon is a carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups or atoms. It exhibits chirality, which means it exists in two non-superimposable mirror image forms. Chiral molecules have important biological significance and can rotate the plane of polarized light. The configuration of a chiral carbon is determined using the R and S system, based on the priority groups attached to it.

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