What is chirality?

Sometimes two molecules can exist as non-superimposable mirror-images. That is to say, the mirror image of a molecule cannot be exactly placed on top of the original molecule.

A good example of this is your hands: they are mirror images of one another, but cannot be exactly placed on top of each other. 

Pairs of molecules that exhibit this property are known as enantiomers. When a carbon atom is bonded to four distinct groups, this is known as a chiral centre, and two enantiomers of this arrangement are seen.

PB
Answered by Patrick B. Chemistry tutor

8783 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain Optical Isomerism


What is enthalpy?


The Nucleophilic substitution mechanism: i. give the mechanism for the reaction between bromoethane and sodium hydroxide solution; ii. explain why the reaction mechanism is called nucleophilic substitution mechanism.


24.5g of CH3CH2CH2Br was reacted with ammonia to form CH3CH2CH2NH2 at a 75.0% yield, calculate the mass of the product formed.


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