An aspiring chemist identifies a carbon atom bonded to four entirely different groups. However, the — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question
Question
An aspiring chemist identifies a carbon atom bonded to four entirely different groups. However, the carbon is $sp^2$ hybridized and involved in a double bond. Can this specific carbon act as a genuine chiral stereocenter?
Answer: C
💡 Solution & Explanation
A true chiral stereocenter is strictly defined as an $sp^3$ hybridized, tetrahedral atom covalently bonded to exactly four completely different atoms or groups. An $sp^2$ hybridized carbon can only accommodate a maximum of three attached groups, making it physically impossible to act as an asymmetric chiral center.
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