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Chapter 23: Problem 79

Which of the following objects is chiral: \((\mathbf{a})\) a pencil, \((\mathbf{b})\) a computer keyboard, (c) a grand piano, (d) a molecular model of \(c i s-\mathrm{Fe}(\text { bipy })_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2},(\mathbf{e})\) a piece of plane \(\mathrm{A} 4\) paper?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Objects (a) a pencil, (b) a computer keyboard, (c) a grand piano, and (d) a molecular model of \(cis-\mathrm{Fe}(\text { bipy })_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) are chiral, while object (e) a piece of plane A4 paper is not chiral.

Step by step solution

01

Object (a): A pencil

Consider a regular pencil with a sharpened end and an eraser at the other end. When we look at its mirror image, we can observe that it has a different orientation (tip-to-eraser) than the original. Thus, the pencil and its mirror image cannot be superimposed and are distinct. Therefore, a pencil is a chiral object.
02

Object (b): A computer keyboard

A computer keyboard is designed to have a specific layout of keys, typically QWERTY. The mirror image of the keyboard would have reversed key placements. Since the mirror image of a keyboard does not have the same arrangement of keys as the original, the two cannot be superimposed and are distinct. Therefore, a computer keyboard is a chiral object.
03

Object (c): A grand piano

A grand piano has a large, asymmetric shape, and its interior components, such as strings and hammers, are also arranged in a specific asymmetric pattern. If we compare the mirror image of a grand piano to the original, the two cannot be superimposed and are distinct. Therefore, a grand piano is a chiral object.
04

Object (d): A molecular model of \(cis-\mathrm{Fe}(\text { bipy })_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\)

In a molecular model of \(cis-\mathrm{Fe}(\text { bipy })_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\), the iron atom is at the center, surrounded by two bipyridine (bipy) ligands and two chlorine atoms. The term 'cis' means that the two chlorine atoms are on the same side of the molecule. Since the cis-isomer of this complex has a specific and distinct 3D arrangement, the mirror image of the molecule cannot be superimposed onto the original. Therefore, the molecular model of \(cis-\mathrm{Fe}(\text { bipy })_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) is chiral.
05

Object (e): A piece of plane A4 paper

A piece of plane A4 paper has a rectangular shape with two long sides and two short sides. The mirror image of the paper will still have the same rectangular shape with its sides having equal lengths. Thus, the original and its mirror image can be superimposed and are identical. Therefore, a piece of plane A4 paper is not a chiral object. In conclusion, objects (a) a pencil, (b) a computer keyboard, (c) a grand piano, and (d) a molecular model of \(cis-\mathrm{Fe}(\text { bipy })_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) are chiral, while object (e) a piece of plane A4 paper is not chiral.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The molecule dimethylphosphinoethane $\left[\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{2} \mathrm{PCH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2}\right.$ \(\mathrm{P}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{2},\) which is abbreviated dmpe] is used as a ligand for some complexes that serve as catalysts. A complex that contains this ligand is \(\mathrm{Mo}(\mathrm{CO})_{4}(\) dmpe \()\). (a) Draw the Lewis structure for dmpe, and compare it with ethylenediamine as a coordinating ligand. (b) What is the oxidation state of Mo in \(\mathrm{Na}_{2}\left[\mathrm{Mo}(\mathrm{CN})_{2}(\mathrm{CO})_{2}(\) dmpe \()\right] ?(\mathbf{c})\) Sketch the structure of the $\left[\mathrm{Mo}(\mathrm{CN})_{2}(\mathrm{CO})_{2}(\text { dmpe })\right]^{2-}$ ion, including all the possible isomers.

Consider the following three complexes: \(\left(\right.\) Complex 1) $\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{5} \mathrm{SCN}\right]^{2+}$ \(\left(\right.\) Complex 2) $\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{3} \mathrm{Cl}_{3}\right]^{2+}$ \(\left(\right.\) Complex 3) \(\mathrm{CoClBr} \cdot 5 \mathrm{NH}_{3}\) Which of the three complexes can have (a) geometric isomers, (b) linkage isomers, (c) optical isomers, (d) coordination-sphere isomers?

The lobes of which \(d\) orbitals point directly between the ligands in (a) octahedral geometry, (b) tetrahedral geometry?

When Alfred Werner was developing the field of coordination chemistry, it was argued by some that the optical activity he observed in the chiral complexes he had prepared was due to the presence of carbon atoms in the molecule. To disprove this argument, Werner synthesized a chiral complex of cobalt that had no carbon atoms in it, and he was able to resolve it into its enantiomers. Design a cobalt(III) complex that would be chiral if it could be synthesized and that contains no carbon atoms. (It may not be possible to synthesize the complex you design, but we will not worry about that for now.)

Consider the tetrahedral anions \(\mathrm{VO}_{4}^{3-}\) (orthovanadate ion), \(\mathrm{CrO}_{4}^{2-}\) (chromate ion), and \(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}^{-}\) (permanganate ion). (a) These anions are isoelectronic. What does this statement mean? (b) Would you expect these anions to exhibit d-d transitions? Explain. (c) As mentioned in "A Closer Look" on charge-transfer color, the violet color of \(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}\) is due to a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) transition. What is meant by this term? (d) The LMCT transition in \(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}^{-}\) occurs at a wavelength of \(565 \mathrm{nm}\). The \(\mathrm{CrO}_{4}^{2-}\) ion is yellow. Is the wavelength of the LMCT transition for chromate larger or smaller than that for \(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}^{-}\) ? Explain. (e) The \(\mathrm{VO}_{4}^{3-}\) ion is colorless. Do you expect the light absorbed by the LMCT to fall in the UV or the IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum? Explain your reasoning.
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