An aspiring chemist analyzes a molecule and identifies a carbon atom bonded to four entirely different groups. However, the carbon is involved in a double bond. Can this specific carbon act as a genui

Question

An aspiring chemist analyzes a molecule and identifies a carbon atom bonded to four entirely different groups. However, the carbon is involved in a double bond. Can this specific carbon act as a genuine chiral stereocenter?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. A true chiral stereocenter (asymmetric carbon) is strictly defined as an hybridized, tetrahedral atom that is covalently bonded to exactly four completely different atoms or groups. An hybridized carbon (involved in a double bond) can only accommodate a maximum of three attached groups, making it physically impossible for it to act as an asymmetric chiral center.

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