Chapter 3.1: Chirality- The Handedness of Molecules

Question 1

Define center of symmetry

Answer 1

a point so situated that identical components of an object are located on opposite sides and equivalent from that point along any axis passing through it

Question 2

Define plane of symmetry

Answer 2

an imaginary plane passing through an object dividing it so that ne half is the mirror image of the other half

Question 3

What is an object that is not superposable on its mirror image; an object that has handedness?

Answer 3

chiral

Question 4

What is an object that lacks chirality; an object that has no handedness?

Answer 4

achiral

Question 5

What is an imaginary plane passing through an object dividing it so that ne half is the mirror image of the other half?

Answer 5

plane of symmetry

Question 6

What is a point so situated that identical components of an object are located on opposite sides and equivalent from that point along any axis passing through it?

Answer 6

center of symmetry

Question 7

Describe a chiral molecule

Answer 7

o Not identical to its mirror image

o Does not contain a symmetry element such as plane of symmetry or point of symmetry

Question 8

Define chiral

Answer 8

an object that is not superposable on its mirror image; an object that has handedness

Question 9

Define achiral

Answer 9

an object that lacks chirality; an object that has no handedness