A chiral carbon is defined as a carbon atom that is attached to four different groups, making it a center of chirality. This property allows for the existence of enantiomers, or non-superimposable mirror images, in molecules. The other options describe specific carbons in monosaccharides but do not accurately define a chiral carbon.

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A Chiral Carbon Is

Question 12

Multiple Choice

A chiral carbon is

A) the carbon in a monosaccharide to which the carbonyl group is attached.
B) the carbon involved in the formation of a cyclic structure in monosaccharides in solution.
C) the first carbon in the monosaccharide chain.
D) a carbon with 4 different functional groups attached.
E) All of these answers are true.

Correct Answer: