Write the structures of the isomers of alcohols with molecular formula C4H10O. Which of these exhibits optical activity?


C4H10O means the isomers have 4 carbon atoms and one –OH group with all the sigma bonds between the adjacent carbon atoms.

Structures of the isomers of alcohols with molecular formula C4H10O:


a)


Butan-1-ol


b)


Butan-2-ol


c)


2-Methylpropan-1-ol


d)


` 2-Methylpropan-2-ol


We know, optical activity is shown by the compounds having a chiral center or a carbon atom attached to the four different groups. They are capable of rotating the plane of polarized light.


Here, only Butan-2-ol exhibits optical activity because it has a chiral carbon atom.


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