Question

Which of the following compounds does NOT have a stereocenter?

• A. Propan-2-ol
• B. Butan-2-ol
• C. 2-Bromo-1-chlorobutane
• D. 2-Bromopentane

Hint:

A stereocentre is a carbon bonded to four different groups, so look for a carbon with two identical groups.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
A stereocentre is an \(sp^3\) carbon attached to four different groups.

Step 2: Propan-2-ol
In \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH(OH)CH}_3\), C-2 carries H, OH and two identical \(\text{CH}_3\) groups. So it is not a stereocentre.

Step 3: Other Options
Butan-2-ol has H, OH, \(\text{CH}_3\), \(\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\) on C-2. 2-Bromo-1-chlorobutane and 2-bromopentane also have four different groups on C-2.

Step 4: Conclusion
Propan-2-ol has no stereocentre, option (A).

Final Answer:
Propan-2-ol does not have a stereocentre. \[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{Propan-2-ol}} \]