Final answer:
A chiral center is a carbon atom bonded to four different groups. Compounds with chiral centers can exist in two distinct configurations called enantiomers. The configuration of each chiral center can be determined by assigning priority based on atomic numbers and using the R or S system.
Step-by-step explanation:
A chiral center is a carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups. In the given compound, we need to identify the configuration of each chiral center. To do this, we assign priority based on the atomic number of the atoms attached to the chiral center. We then use the R or S system to describe the absolute configuration of each chiral center. For example, if the highest priority group is on a clockwise direction, it is assigned an R configuration.
It is important to note that compounds with chiral centers can exist in two distinct configurations, which are mirror images of each other. These configurations are called enantiomers and they are non-superimposable. To convert one enantiomer to another, a chemical change is needed. Compounds with one chiral center have two stereoisomers, while compounds with more than one chiral center can have multiple stereoisomers.