Question

How many chiral carbon atoms are present in 2-chloro-3,4,5-trimethylhexane?

• A. 4
• B. 3
• C. 2
• D. 1

Hint:

Check each carbon for four unique substituents; identical groups like two methyls on the same carbon negate chirality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept
A chiral carbon atom is a carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups.
Step 2: Structure Analysis
The structure of 2-chloro-3,4,5-trimethylhexane is: $CH_3-CH(Cl)-CH(CH_3)-CH(CH_3)-CH(CH_3)-CH_3$.
Step 3: Identification
- C2 is chiral (bonded to H, Cl, $CH_3$, and the rest of the chain). - C3 is chiral (bonded to H, $CH_3$, $CH(Cl)CH_3$, and the rest of the chain). - C4 is chiral (bonded to H, $CH_3$, $CH(CH_3)CH(Cl)CH_3$, and $CH(CH_3)_2$). - C5 is not chiral as it is bonded to two identical methyl groups (isopropyl end).
Step 4: Conclusion
There are 3 chiral centers.
Final Answer:(B)