
What is the difference between a stereogenic center and a chiral center?
Answer
448.8k+ views
2 likes
Hint :We know that the stereochemistry is defined as a systematic representation which deals with spatial arrangements of atoms and groups in a molecule. The geometrical property of a molecule or ion which cannot be superimposed on its mirror image by any combinations of rotations and translations is called chirality.
Complete Step By Step Answer:
Stereochemistry focuses on stereo isomers which are defined as chemical compounds that have the same molecular formula but have different arrangement of atoms in three dimensions. Spatial arrangement of atoms means how different atomic particles are situated in the space around the organic compound.
Chirality is defined as a property of an object that is asymmetric and cannot be superimposed on mirror images. Chiral center is defined as an atom that consists of four different groups attached to an atom and cannot be superimposed over mirror images. Chiral compounds are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, whereas achiral is superimposable over their mirror images.
Note :
Note that it is to be noted that chiral compounds do not show superimposable mirror images and achiral compounds do show superimposable mirror images of each other. In conclusion, if a compound contains four different substituents, attached to the central atom, then that compound is said to be a chiral compound with all chiral centers between two stereoisomers is called enantiomers. If at least one, but not all of the chiral centers are opposite configuration.
Complete Step By Step Answer:
Stereochemistry focuses on stereo isomers which are defined as chemical compounds that have the same molecular formula but have different arrangement of atoms in three dimensions. Spatial arrangement of atoms means how different atomic particles are situated in the space around the organic compound.
Chirality is defined as a property of an object that is asymmetric and cannot be superimposed on mirror images. Chiral center is defined as an atom that consists of four different groups attached to an atom and cannot be superimposed over mirror images. Chiral compounds are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, whereas achiral is superimposable over their mirror images.
Stereogenic Center | Chiral Center | |
Main Difference | Stereo center is a point in a molecule which can give rise to stereoisomers | Chiral center is a carbon atom to which four different atoms or groups of atoms are bonded. |
Nature. | A stereocenter is a point in a molecule, not necessarily an atom. | A chiral center is a carbon atom. |
Hybridization. | If stereocenter is a carbon atom, it can be either | Chiral centers are essentially |
Groups of Atoms. | Stereocenters can have either three or four groups attached to it. | Chiral centers essentially have four groups attached to it. |
Chemical Bonds. | Stereocenter can have either single bonds or double bonds around it. | Chiral centers have only single bonds around it. |
Note :
Note that it is to be noted that chiral compounds do not show superimposable mirror images and achiral compounds do show superimposable mirror images of each other. In conclusion, if a compound contains four different substituents, attached to the central atom, then that compound is said to be a chiral compound with all chiral centers between two stereoisomers is called enantiomers. If at least one, but not all of the chiral centers are opposite configuration.
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Class 11 Question and Answer - Your Ultimate Solutions Guide

Trending doubts
The non protein part of an enzyme is a A Prosthetic class 11 biology CBSE

Which of the following blood vessels in the circulatory class 11 biology CBSE

What is a zygomorphic flower Give example class 11 biology CBSE

1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

The deoxygenated blood from the hind limbs of the frog class 11 biology CBSE

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE
