trans-cyclooctene is a chiral molecule although there are no chiral centers in it. Explain how trans-cyclooctene is chiral.

• A. trans-cyclooctene is chiral because cycloalkenes are always chiral.
• B. trans-cyclooctene is chiral because it lacks symmetry elements.
• C. trans-cyclooctene is chiral because cycloalkenes with trans stereochemistry are always chiral.
• D. trans-cyclooctene is chiral because it has 2 stereocenters.

Answer: (B)