See image — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Solution: Identifying Asymmetric (Chiral) Carbon An **asymmetric carbon** (chiral center) has four *different* groups attached to it. ## Analysis of each molecule: **(1) $CH_3CHClCOOH$** - The second carbon: bonded to $CH_3$, $Cl$, $COOH$, and $H$ → **4 different groups** ✓ - This carbon is chiral **(2) $CH_3CH_2COOH$** - All carbons have repeated groups (e.g., $CH_2$ has two H atoms) - No asymmetric carbon ✗ **(3) $ClCH_2CH_2COOH$** - First carbon ($CH_2$): bonded to $Cl$, $H$, $H$, $CH_2$ → has two identical H atoms ✗ - Second carbon ($CH_2$): bonded to $CH_2$, $H$, $H$, $COOH$ → has two identical H atoms ✗ - No asymmetric carbon **(4) $Cl_2CHCOOH$** - The $CH$ carbon: bonded to $Cl$, $Cl$, $COOH$, and $H$ → has two identical Cl atoms ✗ - No asymmetric carbon ## Answer: **Option (1)** $CH_3CHClCOOH$ contains an asymmetric carbon atom (the carbon bearing the chlorine), making it chiral and capable of existing as stereoisomers.