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Chemistry · Glossary

What is Chiral, asymmetric carbon?

Also known as: chiral · asymmetric carbon

Definition 39.3 School Chemistry — Grades 1 to 12 · Chapter 39 — Stereochemistry: Chirality and Isomers

An object or a molecule is chiral if it cannot be superimposed on its mirror image, like a hand. A carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups is an asymmetric carbon; it is often marked with a star.

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