2020 P1 Q18 - Deduce Number of Chiral Carbons

Let's take a look at 2020 A Levels H2 Chemistry Paper 1 Question 18.

We are required to determine the number of chiral centres for compound Z.

First we have to determine which functional group in reactant androstenolone reacts with cold KMnO₄.

There are 2 functional groups that can be oxidised: alkene and secondary alcohol.

Secondary alcohol will only be oxidised when KMnO₄ is heated.

Find out more about other reactions of alcohols.

In this case only alkene will react with cold KMnO₄ to form diol.

Check out all the reactions of alkenes.

Notice there is an increase in the molar mass by 34 due to addition of 2 OH groups.

We can now deduce the structure of product Z.

If we compare molar mass of reactant androstenolone and product Z, there is an increase in molar mass by 34.

This is consistent with our deduction that only alkene is oxidised.

We can now determine the number of chiral carbons in Z.

A chiral carbon is saturated and bonded to 4 different groups.

Therefore it is asymmetrical.

We can identify chiral carbons quickly in a skeletal formula by focusing on carbons bonded to 3 groups (with a hidden hydrogen) and 4 groups.

In this case we can find 8 chiral carbons in Z and the answer to this question is option D.

Topic: Intro to Organic Chem & Alkenes, Organic Chemistry, A Level Chemistry, Singapore

Back to list of questions for 2020 A Level H2 Chemistry Paper 1.

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