Chiral vs. Achiral: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 23, 2023
A chiral molecule cannot be superimposed on its mirror image, while an achiral molecule can.
Key Differences
A chiral molecule is one that has a non-superimposable mirror image, much like left and right human hands. On the contrary, an achiral molecule is one that is superimposable on its mirror image, meaning the molecule and its mirror image are identical.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
In the world of organic chemistry, chiral molecules often contain a carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups, creating what's known as a chiral center. Achiral molecules, in contrast, don't have this characteristic. This distinction is significant because the chirality of a molecule can affect its chemical behavior and interactions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Chiral molecules, due to their unique spatial arrangement, can exhibit different optical activities. They can rotate plane-polarized light either to the left (levorotatory) or to the right (dextrorotatory). Achiral molecules, however, do not exhibit optical activity because their mirror images are superimposable.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
It's crucial to understand that chiral and achiral are not just limited to individual molecules. Some larger objects, or even organisms, can exhibit these properties. A good example of chiral objects in everyday life are screws, while spheres represent achiral objects.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Optical Activity
Can exhibit optical activity
Does not exhibit optical activity
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Chemical Interactions
Can behave differently based on its spatial arrangement
Behaves the same, regardless of its spatial arrangement
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Chiral and Achiral Definitions
Chiral
Objects or molecules not identical to their mirror images.
A screw is an example of a chiral object.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
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Achiral
Molecules identical to their mirror images.
The molecule is achiral and does not exhibit optical activity.
Huma Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Chiral
Capable of exhibiting optical activity.
Many chiral compounds can rotate plane-polarized light.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Achiral
Objects or molecules superimposable with their mirror images.
A sphere is an achiral object.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Chiral
Molecules with non-superimposable mirror images.
The molecule is chiral due to its unique spatial arrangement.
Huma Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Achiral
Incapable of exhibiting optical activity.
Even in the presence of plane-polarized light, achiral compounds remain inactive.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
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Chiral
Contains a chiral center.
The molecule has a chiral carbon atom connected to four different groups.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Chiral
Asymmetric in such a way that the structure and its mirror image are not superimposable.
Human hands are chiral, as the left hand cannot be superimposed onto the right.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Achiral
Symmetric in such a way that the structure and its mirror image are superimposable.
A cylinder is an example of an achiral object.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Chiral
That exhibits chirality (as in the left-handed and right-handed versions of a helix)
Sumera Saeed
Nov 30, 2020
FAQs
Can an object be achiral?
Yes, objects like spheres or cylinders are achiral as they're superimposable with their mirror images.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Can achiral molecules rotate plane-polarized light?
No, achiral molecules do not exhibit optical activity.
Huma Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Can molecules without chiral centers be chiral?
Yes, some molecules exhibit chirality due to their overall shape, not just the presence of chiral centers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
What's the difference between chiral and stereoisomers?
Chiral molecules are a type of stereoisomer, which are molecules with the same molecular formula but different spatial arrangements.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Why are chiral molecules significant in drug design?
Chiral molecules can have different biological activities based on their spatial arrangement.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Can chiral molecules be synthesized?
Yes, chiral molecules can be synthesized, often with the help of chiral catalysts.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
What does chiral mean in chemistry?
In chemistry, chiral refers to molecules with non-superimposable mirror images.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Do chiral molecules always have a chiral center?
Most chiral molecules have a chiral center, but not all chiral centers lead to chirality.
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 2023
How can I identify a chiral molecule?
A common method is to check for a carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
How do chiral molecules affect light?
Chiral molecules can rotate the plane of plane-polarized light either to the left or the right.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Why is the study of chirality important in medicine?
Because different chiral forms of a drug can have different therapeutic effects or side effects.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Can achiral compounds have chiral conformations?
Some achiral compounds can adopt chiral conformations, but these are typically fleeting and interconvert rapidly.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
How many chiral centers can a molecule have?
A molecule can have multiple chiral centers, depending on its structure.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Are all molecules either chiral or achiral?
Yes, molecules are either chiral (non-superimposable on their mirror image) or achiral (superimposable on their mirror image).
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Can achiral molecules have chiral centers?
It's possible, but rare, for an achiral molecule to have chiral centers if they cancel out each other's optical activity.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Are there tests to determine if a molecule is chiral or achiral?
Yes, using polarimetry, one can determine if a molecule is chiral by observing if it rotates plane-polarized light.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
What happens if a chiral molecule has multiple chiral centers?
It can lead to multiple stereoisomers, depending on the spatial arrangement of those chiral centers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Why don't achiral molecules exhibit optical activity?
Achiral molecules don't have a unique spatial arrangement that would cause them to rotate plane-polarized light.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
