Question

Comparing the two molecules shown below, you can see that they are ...

structural isomers.
geometric isomers.
enantiomers.
None of the above.
All of the above.

Answer 1

The false statement is (c), which claims that enantiomers must have at least three different atoms or groups connected to a central carbon. Enantiomers actually require a chiral carbon with four distinct attachments.

Step-by-step explanation:

Isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formulas but different arrangements of atoms. There are several types of isomers, including structural isomers, geometric isomers, and enantiomers. From the options given:

• Statement (a) is true, as CH3CH₂COOH and C3H6O₂ can indeed be structural isomers with different covalent arrangements of atoms.
• Statement (b) is true because molecules must have a double bond to be considered cis-trans (geometric) isomers.
• Statement (c) is false because to be enantiomers, a molecule must have four different atoms or groups, not three, connected to a central carbon, making it chiral.
• Statement (d) is true, reaffirming that a chiral carbon is one that is covalently linked to four different groups.

The false statement is (c) "To be enantiomers, a molecule must have at least three different atoms or groups connected to a central carbon." This is incorrect as enantiomers require a chiral center with four different groups for chirality