Question

17 multiple choice 2 points for each of the following compounds, draw a structure and identify if it can show optical activity. a. 2 - bromobutane b. cis - 1,2 - dichlorocyclohexane a. optically inactive b. optically active a. optically active b. optically inactive a. optically inactive b. optically inactive

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze 2 - bromobutane

2 - bromobutane has a chiral carbon (the second - carbon atom which is bonded to four different groups: $-CH_3$, $-H$, $-Br$, and $-CH_2CH_3$). A compound with a chiral center can show optical activity.

Step2: Analyze cis - 1,2 - dichlorocyclohexane

Cis - 1,2 - dichlorocyclohexane has a plane of symmetry. Compounds with a plane of symmetry are meso compounds and are optically inactive.

Answer:

B. a. Optically active; b. Optically inactive