How many achiral aldehydes are there that have the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine the number of achiral aldehydes that can be formed from this molecular formula, we must first determine the possible isomers that can be formed. The molecular formula has 4 carbon atoms so it can form a maximum of 4 isomers.

Next, we need to determine if each isomer is chiral or achiral. To be achiral, an aldehyde must have a plane of symmetry. A plane of symmetry divides the molecule into two identical halves.

By analyzing the molecular formula, we can see that there are 2 distinct groups of atoms: (1) C, S and B, and (2) H and O. If an aldehyde has an even number of atoms on both sides of the plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry, it is achiral.

There are 5 isomers that can be formed from this molecular formula, and only 1 of them has an odd number of atoms on one side of the perpendicular plane, making it chiral. Therefore, there are a total of 4 achiral aldehydes that can be formed.

Thus, the best choice is B, with an explanation as shown above.

How Many Achiral Aldehydes Are There That Have the Molecular