Chapter 23, Problem 23.52SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The chiral centers in penicillamine, a chiral drug; whose one enantiomer is an effective treatment for chronic arthritis, and the other enantiomer is highly toxic is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Optical activity is defined as the phenomena, in which the mirror image of any compound is non-superimposable on it, in this case, compound or substance is said to be chiral.

The point at which compound is non-superimposable on its mirror image is known as the chiral center.