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Question 1

What is a stereogenic center?

Answer 1

A: A carbon atom bonded to four different groups, giving rise to stereoisomerism.

Question 2

Will a molecule with no stereogenic centers be chiral?

Answer 2

A: No, a molecule with no stereogenic centers will not be chiral (exceptions are covered in Chapter 17).

Question 3

Is a molecule with one stereogenic center always chiral?

Answer 3

A: Yes, a molecule with one stereogenic center will always be chiral.

Question 4

Can a molecule with two or more stereogenic centers be achiral?

Answer 4

A: Yes, a molecule with two or more stereogenic centers may or may not be chiral.

Question 5

What determines if a molecule with multiple stereogenic centers is chiral?

Answer 5

A: The spatial arrangement of atoms and the presence of symmetry determine if it is chiral.

Question 6

What is an example of a molecule that can be achiral despite having stereogenic centers?

Answer 6

A: A meso compound, which has internal symmetry and is superimposable on its mirror image.

Question 7

How does the presence of a plane of symmetry affect chirality?

Answer 7

A: A plane of symmetry makes a molecule achiral, even if it has stereogenic centers.

Question 8

Why does one stereogenic center guarantee chirality?

Answer 8

A: Because the arrangement of four different groups around the center ensures a non-superimposable mirror image.

Question 9

What is the relationship between stereogenic centers and enantiomers?

Answer 9

A: Molecules with stereogenic centers can form enantiomers, which are non-superimposable mirror images.

Question 10

What is the general rule about the number of stereogenic centers and chirality?

Answer 10

A: One stereogenic center ensures chirality, while multiple centers require further analysis to determine chirality.