Question:

Identify optically inactive compound from the following.

Show Hint

A compound with no chiral carbon is optically inactive.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • Lactic acid
  • Glucose
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • 2-chlorobutane
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
A compound is optically active if it has a chiral carbon (four different groups) and no symmetry plane.

Step 2: Check the options
Lactic acid, glucose and 2-chlorobutane each have at least one chiral carbon.
Isopropyl alcohol, \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH(OH)CH}_3\), has a central carbon bonded to two identical methyl groups.

Step 3: Conclusion
Isopropyl alcohol has no chiral carbon, so it is optically inactive.

Final Answer:
Isopropyl alcohol is optically inactive. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Isopropyl alcohol}} \]
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