MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

The structure of 2-Bromo-3,4,5-trimethylhexane is: CH_3 - CH(Br) - CH(CH_3) - CH(CH_3) - CH(CH_3) - CH_3 Let us examine each carbon atom in the principal chain for chirality (a chiral carbon must be attached to four different groups): C1: Attached to three identical hydrogen atoms Achiral. C2: Attached to -H, -Br, -CH_3, and -CH(CH_3)CH(CH_3)CH(CH_3)_2. All four groups are different Chiral. C3: Attached to -H, -CH_3, -CH(Br)CH_3, and -CH(CH_3)CH(CH_3)_2. All four groups are different Chiral. C4: Attached to -H, -CH_3, -CH(CH_3)CH(Br)CH_3, and -CH(CH_3)_2. All four groups are different Chiral. C5: Attached to -H, a methyl group (-CH_3), C6 (which is also a -CH_3 group), and -CH(CH_3)CH(CH_3)CH(Br)CH_3. Since it is attached to two identical methyl groups, it is Achiral. C6: Attached to three identical hydrogen atoms Achiral. The chiral carbon atoms are C2, C3, and C4. Therefore, there are 3 chiral carbon atoms in the molecule. Answer: 3