Asymmetric Carbon

Asymmetric Carbons In Cholesterol
Asymmetric Carbon Atom
Asymmetric Carbon Atom Definition

An asymmetric carbon atom (chiral carbon) is a carbon atom that is attached to four different types of atoms or groups of atoms. Le Bel-van't Hoff rule states that the number of stereoisomers of an organic compound is 2n, where n represents the number of asymmetric carbon atoms (unless there is an i.
Asymmetric carbon atom definition is - a carbon atom in union with four atoms or groups no two of which are alike, compounds containing such a carbon atom being capable of existing in two optically active forms which are distinguished by being respectively levorotatory and dextrorotatory and also in some cases by having enantiomorphous crystal forms.

Do enantiomers always have an asymmetric carbon?

1 Answer

Quiz topics include the different substituents required for a carbon to be considered asymmetric and the number of asymmetric carbon atoms in 1-Chloro-2-methylpropane, if any.

No, enantiomers do not always have an asymmetric carbon.

Explanation:

Enantiomers are chiral molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

Some compounds do not have asymmetric carbon atoms but are still chiral.

If they have two perpendicular planes that are not symmetry planes., and if these planes cannot rotate freely against each other, the compounds are chiral.

Here are some examples:

Cumulenes such as penta-2,3-diene exist as a pair of enantiomers.

Hindered biphenyls such as 6,6'-dinitro-2,2'-diphenic acid exist as enantiomers because the bulky ortho substituents prevent free rotation about the C-C single bond.

Helices, like screws, are chiral because they can exist in left- or right-handed forms.