What is chirality?

Sometimes two molecules can exist as non-superimposable mirror-images. That is to say, the mirror image of a molecule cannot be exactly placed on top of the original molecule.

A good example of this is your hands: they are mirror images of one another, but cannot be exactly placed on top of each other. 

Pairs of molecules that exhibit this property are known as enantiomers. When a carbon atom is bonded to four distinct groups, this is known as a chiral centre, and two enantiomers of this arrangement are seen.

PB
Answered by Patrick B. Chemistry tutor

8903 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are 3 characteristics of Benzene that go against the proposed Kekule model?


What is the difference between an ionic lattice and a metallic lattice?


The recommended daily allowance of methionine for an adult is 15 mg per kg of body mass. Tuna contains 755 mg of methionine per 100 g portion. Calculate the mass, in grams, of tuna that would provide the RDA of methionine for a 60 kg adult.


Describe the Kekule and delocalised model of benzene and explain some of the reasons why the kekule is disproved


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning