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

8981 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why do transition metals form coloured solutions?


Briefly describe the nature of three types of intramolecular bonding and two types of intermolecular bonding (drawings encouraged)


How can you convert benzene to N-phenylethanamide in 3 steps?


Use the concept of electronegativity to justify why the acid strengths of ethanedioic acid and ethanoic acid are different. (6 marks)


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