Chapter 5, Problem 5.25SP

The following four structures are naturally occurring optically active compounds. Star (*) the asymmetric carbon atoms in these structures.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The asymmetric carbon atoms in the given structures are to be marked by star.

Concept introduction: A chiral carbon atom is attached to four different atoms or group of atoms and shows a tetrahedral geometry. The mirror image of a chiral compound is non-super imposable. The two different forms in which a single chiral carbon can exist are referred as enantiomers. The number of enantiomers of a molecule depends on the number of chiral centers.

To determine: The asymmetric carbon atoms in the given structures marked by star.

Answer to Problem 5.25SP

The asymmetric carbon atoms in the given structure have been marked by star.

Explanation of Solution

The given compound is serine. It is attached to $-\text{COOH}$ group, $-{\text{NH}}_{\text{2}}$ group, $-{\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{OH}$ group and hydrogen atom. All the groups are different. Therefore, it is a chiral centre.

The asymmetric carbon atom present in it is marked by star as shown below.

Figure 1

The given compound is erythrose. There are two chiral centres present in it.

The asymmetric carbon atoms present in it are marked by star as shown below.

Figure 2

The given compound is menthol. There are three chiral centres present in it.

The asymmetric carbon atoms present in it are marked by star as shown below.

Figure 3

The given compound is camphor. There are two chiral centres present in it.

The asymmetric carbon atoms present in it are marked by star as shown below.

Figure 4

Conclusion

The asymmetric carbon atoms in the given structure have been marked by star.