What is the least number of carbon atoms, in a non-cyclic alkane molecule that has a chiral centre.
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To determine the least number of carbon atoms in a non-cyclic alkane molecule that has a chiral center, we need to understand the concept of chirality and how it relates to alkane molecules.
Chirality refers to the property of a molecule that cannot be superimposed onto its mirror image. In other words, a chiral molecule has a non-superimposable mirror image. Chirality arises when a carbon atom is bonded to four different groups or atoms. Such a carbon atom is called a chiral center or a stereocenter.
For an alkane molecule to have a chiral center, it needs to have at least one carbon atom bonded to four different groups, which can be four different atoms or functional groups.
In a non-cyclic alkane molecule, the main chain consists of carbon atoms, and each carbon atom can have two hydrogen atoms bonded to it. Since hydrogen is the lightest atom, it is not considered a different group when determining chirality.
Therefore, the minimum number of carbon atoms needed in a non-cyclic alkane molecule with a chiral center is three. This is because a carbon atom can have three different groups bonded to it (e.g., three different atoms or functional groups), and one of the groups will always be hydrogen.
So, in summary, the minimum number of carbon atoms in a non-cyclic alkane molecule that has a chiral center is three.
To determine the least number of carbon atoms in a non-cyclic alkane molecule with a chiral center, we need to examine the structural requirements for chirality. Chirality arises when a carbon atom is bonded to four different substituents.
In the case of alkanes, the general formula is CnH2n+2, where n represents the number of carbon atoms. We can start by checking different alkane molecules with increasing numbers of carbon atoms to find the least number that allows for a chiral center.
1. Methane (CH4): This molecule does not have a chiral center since the central carbon is bonded to four hydrogen atoms, which are all the same.
2. Ethane (C2H6): Again, ethane does not have a chiral center because each carbon atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom, resulting in identical groups on both carbons.
3. Propane (C3H8): The carbon atoms in propane are bonded to two other carbon atoms and five hydrogen atoms. Similarly to ethane, it does not possess a chiral center since the two carbon atoms have identical substituents.
4. Butane (C4H10): Butane can have a chiral center since it has four carbon atoms, and the central carbon is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one different carbon atom. This molecule has the potential for chirality, as the central carbon could have four different substituents.
Therefore, the least number of carbon atoms for a non-cyclic alkane molecule with a chiral center is four (4).