What is meant by the term chiral?

Chirality is defined rather grandly as asymmetry such that an image and it's reflection are not superimposable. This means that if you reflect the object in a mirror it won't look exactly the same.

For example, a star is not chiral, because if you reflect it, you would be able to put the reflected image on top of the original. On the other hand, your hands are chiral - they are reflections of each other, but you can't put one on top of the other - think of it as trying to put a glove for your left hand on your right hand.

CM
Answered by Chris M. Chemistry tutor

4698 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is Le Chatelier's principle?


How can there be both molecular and non-molecular solids?


Why does Phosphorus have a higher melting point than Chlorine?


The equilibrium N2O4 (g) -->--< 2NO2 (g) is set up when N2O4 dissociates. When 0.0370 moles of N2O4 dissociates at 25 degrees in a 0.5dm3 sealed container, 0.0310 moles of N2O4 remains at equilibrium. Calculate the value of Kc for this reaction.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning