What are the number of chiral centers in the given Alkyl halide
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 0
To identify a chiral centre, a carbon must be attached to four different groups.
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The given molecule is a substituted cyclobutane ring.
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Check each carbon:
1. Carbon with Cl: Attached to:
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Cl
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Ring carbon (left)
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Ring carbon (down)
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These two ring paths are identical (symmetry present)
Not chiral -
2. Other ring carbons: Each is attached to:
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CH₃
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Ring carbons
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Due to symmetry of the ring, identical groups appear
Not chiral
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Even if substituents look different, symmetry in cyclic structures makes paths identical, removing chirality.
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No carbon has four different groups
No chiral centre present
Hence, the correct answer is 0