Question

which of the following statements is true about the molecules shown below?
a. h - c - cl
|
br

b. h - c - h
|
br

select the correct answer below:

both are chiral.

both are achiral.

the first molecule (a) is chiral, and the second molecule (b) is achiral.

they are stereoisomers.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine chirality of molecule (a)

A chiral carbon has four different groups attached. In molecule (a), the central carbon is attached to \(CH_3\), \(H\), \(Cl\), and \(Br\) (four different groups). So, molecule (a) is chiral.

Step2: Determine chirality of molecule (b)

In molecule (b), the central carbon is attached to \(CH_3\), \(H\), \(H\), and \(Br\) (two \(H\) atoms - not four different groups). So, molecule (b) is achiral.

Step3: Check for stereoisomerism

Stereoisomers have same connectivity but different spatial arrangement. Since one is chiral and the other is achiral, they are not stereoisomers.

Answer:

The first molecule (a) is chiral, and the second molecule (b) is achiral.