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

8854 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Write equations and give the mechanism for the reaction of butanone with: 1) NaBH4 and 2) HCN


Why does the first ionisation energy generally increase across a period? Explain why there are dips in energy between groups 2 and 3 and groups 5 and 6?


Explain how you can prove that C6H6 does not form 1,3,5-Cyclohexatriene but forms Benzene


What is the geometry of a ClF3 molecule? (AQA Unit 1 2015 1d)


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