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What type of stereochemistry, S or R, does the chiral center in this molecule have?

What type of stereochemistry, S or R, does the chiral center in this molecule have?

Chemistry
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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What type of stereochemistry, S or R, does the chiral center in this molecule have? 

The image displays the structural formula of lactic acid, a commonly studied organic compound in biochemistry. ### Structural Formula of Lactic Acid - **CH3 (Methyl Group):** This group is attached to the central carbon atom (C) from the left-hand side of the diagram. - **H (Hydrogen Atom):** A single hydrogen atom is bonded to the central carbon atom from the bottom side. - **OH (Hydroxyl Group):** The hydroxyl group is attached to the central carbon atom from the right side. - **CO2H (Carboxyl Group):** Positioned at the top, the carboxyl group connects to the central carbon atom. It is commonly written as COOH. ### Detailed Description The molecular structure of lactic acid shows a chiral center at the central carbon atom, which means that it has different spatial orientations called enantiomers. The positioning of these groups around the central carbon atom illustrates the 2D representation of its three-dimensional shape, essential for understanding its chemical behavior and interaction with other molecules. This configuration is crucial in many biochemical processes, including fermentation and muscle metabolism.
Transcribed Image Text:The image displays the structural formula of lactic acid, a commonly studied organic compound in biochemistry. ### Structural Formula of Lactic Acid - **CH3 (Methyl Group):** This group is attached to the central carbon atom (C) from the left-hand side of the diagram. - **H (Hydrogen Atom):** A single hydrogen atom is bonded to the central carbon atom from the bottom side. - **OH (Hydroxyl Group):** The hydroxyl group is attached to the central carbon atom from the right side. - **CO2H (Carboxyl Group):** Positioned at the top, the carboxyl group connects to the central carbon atom. It is commonly written as COOH. ### Detailed Description The molecular structure of lactic acid shows a chiral center at the central carbon atom, which means that it has different spatial orientations called enantiomers. The positioning of these groups around the central carbon atom illustrates the 2D representation of its three-dimensional shape, essential for understanding its chemical behavior and interaction with other molecules. This configuration is crucial in many biochemical processes, including fermentation and muscle metabolism.
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