Question

what can be inferred about the pair of molecules shown below?
select the correct answer below:
these molecules are not enantiomers.
these molecules are enantiomers.
the molecules do not contain chiral carbons.
all of the above

Explanation:

Enantiomers are non - superimposable mirror images of each other. In the given pair of molecules, we can observe that they are mirror images. Each molecule has chiral carbons (carbons bonded to four different groups). Since they are non - superimposable mirror images, they fit the definition of enantiomers. The first option “These molecules are not enantiomers” is incorrect as they are enantiomers. The third option “The molecules do not contain chiral carbons” is wrong because chiral carbons are present (the carbons with four different substituents). And since the first and third options are wrong, “all of the above” is also incorrect.

Answer:

These molecules are enantiomers.