MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

The structure of 2-chlorobutane is CH_ 3 -CH(Cl)-CH_ 2 -CH_ 3 . A chiral carbon atom is one that is bonded to four different atoms or groups. In 2-chlorobutane, the second carbon atom (C2) is bonded to four different groups: a hydrogen atom (-H), a chlorine atom (-Cl), a methyl group (-CH_ 3 ), and an ethyl group (-CH_ 2 CH_ 3 ). Therefore, C2 is a chiral carbon. The other carbon atoms (C1, C3, and C4) are bonded to at least two identical hydrogen atoms, so they are not chiral. Thus, there is only 1 chiral carbon atom in 2-chlorobutane. Answer: 1