Which of the following statements correctly describes the concept of chirality in organic molecules?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of chirality: Chirality in organic chemistry refers to a property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image. This is similar to how your left and right hands are mirror images but cannot be perfectly aligned on top of each other.
2. Identify the structural requirement for chirality: A molecule is typically chiral if it contains a carbon atom bonded to four different groups. This carbon is known as a chiral center or stereocenter.
3. Evaluate the statement about symmetry: If a molecule has a plane of symmetry, it is not chiral because it can be superimposed on its mirror image. Therefore, chirality is associated with the absence of such symmetry.
4. Consider the optical activity: While chiral molecules can rotate plane-polarized light, they can do so in either direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). The direction depends on the specific arrangement of the groups around the chiral center.
5. Review the statement about double bonds: Chirality is not related to the presence of double bonds. Double bonds can restrict rotation but do not inherently create chirality unless they contribute to a chiral center.