See image — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Identifying Chiral Molecules **Key Principle:** A molecule is chiral if it contains a stereogenic center (a carbon atom bonded to four different groups). --- ## Analysis of Each Option: **(1) $CH_3CHCl_2$** - Central carbon: bonded to $CH_3$, $H$, $Cl$, $Cl$ - Two identical chlorine atoms → **NOT chiral** **(2) $CH_3CHBrCl$** ✓ - Central carbon: bonded to $CH_3$, $H$, $Br$, $Cl$ - **All four groups are different** → **CHIRAL** - Forms two non-superimposable enantiomers **(3) $CD_2Cl_2$** - Central carbon: bonded to $D$, $D$, $Cl$, $Cl$ - Two identical deuterium atoms and two identical chlorine atoms → **NOT chiral** **(4) $CH_2ClBr$** - This carbon: bonded to $H$, $H$, $Cl$, $Br$ - Two identical hydrogen atoms → **NOT chiral** --- **Answer: (2) $CH_3CHBrCl$** is chiral because its central carbon has four *different* substituents ($CH_3$, $Br$, $Cl$, $H$), creating a stereogenic center.