How Do Chiral and Achiral Molecules Differ from Each Other?
Answer – A chiral molecule or compound is non-superimposable on its mirror image, whereas an achiral molecule or compound is superimposable on its mirror image.
Explanation:
Chirality is a geometric property of molecules based on the presence of a chiral center within the molecule. Structurally, molecules can be classified as achiral and chiral.
Achiral molecules possess a plane of symmetry that divides them into two halves that are identical mirror images. When these mirror images are superimposed, they match exactly. This is also the reason why achiral molecules don’t have enantiomers (molecules that can’t be superimposed but are mirror images of each other).
Methane is an achiral molecule whose carbon atom is bonded to four hydrogen atoms. It possesses a plane of symmetry that divides it into two identical, superimposable halves.
An achiral molecule can be superimposed on its mirror image.
Chiral molecules, on the other hand, lack a plane of symmetry and cannot be perfectly aligned with their mirror images. Even if one of the molecules is rotated, they will not match exactly. Chiral molecules exist as two distinct enantiomers (left-handed and right-handed forms) that cannot be superimposed.
Below is an example of lactic acid enantiomers: L-lactic acid (on the left) and D-lactic acid (on the right).
Enantiomers are chiral molecules that lack a plane of symmetry and possess distinct left-handed and right-handed configurations
A DNA molecule is also chiral in symmetry. Each nucleotide of DNA consists of a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base. These nucleotides are linked together in an overall helical structure. This helical arrangement causes the molecule to lack a plane of symmetry and makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image.
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