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Chapter 23: Problem 77

Which of the following objects is chiral: (a) a left shoe, (b) a slice of bread, \((c)\) a wood screw, (d) a molecular model of \(\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{en}) \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) (e) a typical golf club?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Out of the given objects, a left shoe and a wood screw are chiral, while a slice of bread, a molecular model of \(\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{en}) \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\), and a typical golf club are achiral.

Step by step solution

01

(a) Analyzing a Left Shoe

A left shoe and its mirror image (which corresponds to a right shoe) cannot be superimposed on each other. Therefore, a left shoe is chiral.
02

(b) Analyzing a Slice of Bread

A slice of bread, when considered as an object, can be placed flat on a mirror and their images can be superimposed. Therefore, a slice of bread is achiral.
03

(c) Analyzing a Wood Screw

A wood screw has a helical structure. Its mirror image will have the helix going in the opposite direction and the two structures cannot be superimposed. Therefore, a wood screw is chiral.
04

(d) Analyzing a Molecular Model of \(\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{en}) \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\)

The molecular formula \(\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{en}) \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) indicates that the molecule has a central zinc ion that is coordinated to two chlorine atoms and an ethylenediamine molecule. The molecule has a tetrahedral arrangement in three dimensions. However, the molecular structure is symmetric, and the mirror image can be superimposed onto the original molecule. Therefore, the molecular model of \(\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{en}) \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) is achiral.
05

(e) Analyzing a Typical Golf Club

A typical golf club has a symmetric shape that allows it to be superimposed on its mirror image. For example, a right-handed club can be flipped and superimposed onto a left-handed club. Therefore, a typical golf club is achiral. In conclusion, out of the given objects, a left shoe and a wood screw are chiral, while a slice of bread, a molecular model of \(\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{en}) \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\), and a typical golf club are achiral.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

By writing formulas or drawing structures related to any one of these three complexes, \(\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{4} \mathrm{Br}_{2}\right] \mathrm{Cl}\) \(\left[\mathrm{Pd}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{2}(\mathrm{ONO})_{2}\right]\) cis-[ \(\left.\mathrm{V}(\mathrm{en})_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\right]^{+}\) illustrate (a) geometric isomerism, (b) linkage isomerism, (c) optical isomerism, (d) coordination-sphere isomerism.

Generally speaking, for a given metal and ligand, the stability of a coordination compound is greater for the metal in the +3 rather than in the +2 oxidation state (for metals that form stable +3 ions in the first place). Suggest an explanation, keeping in mind the Lewis acid-base nature of the metal-ligand bond.

For each of the following metals, write the electronic configuration of the atom and its \(3+\) ion: (a) \(\mathrm{Ru},(\mathbf{b}) \mathrm{Mo},(\mathbf{c}) \mathrm{Co} .\) Draw the crystal-field energy-level diagram for the \(d\) orbitals of an octahedral complex, and show the placement of the \(d\) electrons for each \(3+\) ion, assuming a weak-field complex. How many unpaired electrons are there in each case?

Sketch the structure of the complex in each of the following compounds and give the full compound name: (a) cis- \(\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{4}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)_{2}\right]\left(\mathrm{NO}_{3}\right)_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Na}_{2}\left[\mathrm{Ru}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right) \mathrm{Cl}_{5}\right]\) (c) trans- \(\mathrm{NH}_{4}\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\right)_{2}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)_{2}\right]\) (d) cis- \(\left[\mathrm{Ru}(\mathrm{en})_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\right]\)

A four-coordinate complex \(\mathrm{MA}_{2} \mathrm{~B}_{2}\) is prepared and found to have two different isomers. Is it possible to determine from this information whether the complex is square planar or tetrahedral? If so, which is it?
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