home > q&a board > chemistry > topic: chiral molecules

Q BgQuestion:

Scholar
Karma Points: 249
Respect (96%):
posted by  U2FAN on 9/14/2008 12:27:44 AM  |  status: Live  

Chiral Molecules

Course Textbook Chapter Problem
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Question Details:
Are the following molecules chiral?

HOCl
TeCl4
[AsF4]-
HCOF
H2CO

I think they are all chiral but I just want to double check. Thanks!
Bonus Point Alert! Earn +4 additional karma points for helping this annual member.

AAnswers:

Answer Question
Scholar
Karma Points: 337
posted by inatizzy on 9/14/2008 12:40:35 AM  |  status: Live
Asker's Rating: Helpful   
U2FAN's comment:
"I got 2 different responses so I'm not sure which one is correct."
Response Details:
I think you mean achiral. Chirality implies that the mirror images are not superimposable. However, for all of those, the mirror image is superimposable and therefore they are all achiral.
For example,
H-O-Cl is superimposable on Cl-O-H. The same goes for the rest of the molecules. 
Guru
Karma Points: 2,074
posted by Xylene on 9/14/2008 1:08:40 AM  |  status: Live
Asker's Rating: Lifesaver   
U2FAN's comment:
"Thanks so much! I did get 2 different responses so I'm not exactly sure which one is correct."
Response Details:
Yes all are chiral molecules
Answer Question
Ask New Question

Join Cramster's Community

Cramster.com brings together students, educators and subject enthusiasts in an online study community. With around-the-clock expert help and a community of over 100,000 knowledgeable members, you can find the help you need, whenever you need it. Join for free today » How Cramster is different from tutoring »

Need Help In

Useful Links