Draw the enantiomer of each of the following compounds. If the compound is not chiral, state that fact.
(c)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Analyze the given structure: The compound is a cyclopentane ring with a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached via a wedge bond, indicating stereochemistry.
2. Determine chirality: A compound is chiral if it has a carbon atom bonded to four different groups and lacks a plane of symmetry. In this case, the carbon attached to the -OH group is bonded to two identical groups (two hydrogens), making the compound achiral.
3. State the conclusion: Since the compound is not chiral, it does not have an enantiomer.
4. Explain why enantiomers cannot exist: Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of chiral molecules. Because this molecule is achiral, it cannot have a non-superimposable mirror image.
5. Summarize: The compound is achiral, and no enantiomer can be drawn for this structure.

Key Concepts

Chirality

Chirality refers to the geometric property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image. A chiral molecule typically has four different substituents attached to a central carbon atom, creating two distinct forms known as enantiomers. Understanding chirality is crucial for determining whether a compound can exist in multiple forms that differ in spatial arrangement.

Enantiomers

Enantiomers are a pair of molecules that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed. They often exhibit different optical activities, meaning they rotate plane-polarized light in opposite directions. Identifying enantiomers is essential in organic chemistry, especially in the context of pharmaceuticals, where different enantiomers can have vastly different biological effects.

Chiral Centers

A chiral center, often a carbon atom, is a point in a molecule where four different groups are attached, leading to chirality. If a molecule lacks a chiral center, it is considered achiral and does not have enantiomers. In the provided compound, the absence of a chiral center indicates that it is not chiral, and thus, no enantiomer can be drawn.