What is the asymmetric carbon in this compound
5 4 3 2 1
CH3-CH2-CH-CH-CH3
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CH3 CH3
In order to identify the asymmetric carbon in this compound, we need to examine its structure and determine if it has four different groups attached to it. An asymmetric carbon, also known as a chiral carbon, is a carbon atom that is bonded to four unique groups.
Let's take a closer look at the compound you provided:
5 4 3 2 1
CH3-CH2-CH-CH-CH3
| |
CH3 CH3
The carbon atom labeled as "3" is the one we need to focus on. It is bonded to four different groups: a hydrogen atom (H), a methyl group (CH3), an ethyl group (CH2CH3), and another methyl group (CH3).
Since this carbon atom has four distinct groups attached to it, it is an asymmetric carbon or a chiral center.