MHT CET202618 April 2026Evening ShiftChemistryGeneral Organic ChemistryActual
Which from following compounds is NOT optically active?
Options
- A3 - Bromohexane
- B2 - Bromo - 2 - methylbutane
- C2 - Bromopentane
- D2 - Bromo - 3 - methylbutane
Correct answer
B. 2 - Bromo - 2 - methylbutane
Step-by-step solution
The optical activity of a compound depends on the presence of a chiral carbon atom, which is bonded to four different groups. In 3-bromohexane, the C3 carbon is bonded to a hydrogen atom, a bromine atom, an ethyl group, and a propyl group. Since all four groups are different, it is chiral and optically active. In 2-bromo-2-methylbutane, the C2 carbon is bonded to a bromine atom, an ethyl group, and two identical methyl groups. Since two groups are the same, it does not have a chiral center and is optically inactive