JEE Main Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

The given structures have a central carbon atom bonded to four groups: - Br , - Cl , - CH _3, and - Me . Since - CH _3 and - Me both represent the same alkyl group (methyl), the central carbon atom is bonded to two identical groups. For a carbon atom to be a chiral center, it must be bonded to four different groups. Because this condition is not met, the central carbon is not a stereocenter and the molecule is achiral. Both structures represent the same achiral compound (2-bromo-2-chloropropane) drawn in slightly different orientations. Therefore, they are identical molecules. Answer: identical molecules.