Which of the following is the definition of chirality?
A)The existence of a molecule with a mirror image.
B)The existence of a molecule with a carbon atom that has four different substituents.
C)The existence of a molecule that is superimposable on its mirror image.
D)The existence of a molecule that is not superimposable on its mirror image.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chirality is the property of a molecule that is not superimposable on its mirror image. This means that the molecule is asymmetric and has a non-superimposable mirror image, also known as an enantiomer. Option A is incorrect because it only refers to the existence of a molecule with a mirror image, without specifying chirality. Option B is incorrect because it describes a specific case of chirality (known as stereogenic centers), but not the general definition. Option C is incorrect because it describes a specific case of molecules that are not chiral (known as achiral molecules), but not the general definition of chirality.

Which of the Following Is the Definition of Chirality