which of the following statements is true about the molecules shown below?\nselect the correct answer…

which of the following statements is true about the molecules shown below?\nselect the correct answer below:\nboth are chiral.\nboth are achiral.\nthe first molecule (a) is chiral, and the second molecule (b) is achiral.\nthey are stereoisomers.

which of the following statements is true about the molecules shown below?\nselect the correct answer below:\nboth are chiral.\nboth are achiral.\nthe first molecule (a) is chiral, and the second molecule (b) is achiral.\nthey are stereoisomers.

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Determine chirality of molecule (a)

A chiral carbon has four different groups attached. In molecule (a), the central carbon is attached to (CH_3), (H), (Cl), and (Br) (four different groups). So, molecule (a) is chiral.

Step2: Determine chirality of molecule (b)

In molecule (b), the central carbon is attached to (CH_3), (H), (H), and (Br) (only three different groups as there are two (H) atoms). So, molecule (b) is achiral.

Step3: Check stereoisomerism

Stereoisomers have the same connectivity but different spatial arrangement. Since molecule (b) is achiral (due to two same groups) and molecule (a) is chiral, they cannot be stereoisomers (as stereoisomerism requires a chiral center - related 3D arrangement consideration which is not valid here as one is achiral).

Answer:

The first molecule (a) is chiral, and the second molecule (b) is achiral.