Which of the following statements best describes chirality in organic molecules?

• A. Chirality is a property of molecules that contain double bonds, allowing for geometric isomerism.
• B. Chirality is the ability of a molecule to rotate plane-polarized light in a clockwise direction only.
• C. Chirality refers to the presence of a carbon atom bonded to four different groups, resulting in non-superimposable mirror images.
• D. Chirality occurs when a molecule has a plane of symmetry, making it superimposable on its mirror image.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of chirality: Chirality in organic chemistry refers to a molecule's property where it cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. This is similar to how left and right hands are mirror images but not superimposable.
2. Identify the structural requirement for chirality: A chiral molecule typically contains a carbon atom bonded to four different groups. This carbon is known as a chiral center or stereocenter.
3. Evaluate the given statements: Analyze each statement to determine if it accurately describes chirality. The first statement about double bonds and geometric isomerism is incorrect as chirality is not related to double bonds. The second statement about rotating plane-polarized light is related to optical activity, a property of chiral molecules, but it does not define chirality itself.
4. Focus on the correct definition: The correct statement is that chirality refers to the presence of a carbon atom bonded to four different groups, resulting in non-superimposable mirror images. This is the fundamental definition of chirality in organic molecules.
5. Consider the incorrect statement about symmetry: The statement that chirality occurs when a molecule has a plane of symmetry is incorrect. A chiral molecule lacks a plane of symmetry, which is why it is not superimposable on its mirror image.