Question

Which of the following compound would show optical isomerism?

(a) CH3 – CH(OH) COOH

(b) H2N CH(CH3)2

(c) (CH3)2 CHCHO

(d) H2N CH2 COOH

This question was posed to me at a job interview.

This intriguing question comes from Optical Isomerism in chapter Structure and Stereostructure of Molecules of Engineering Chemistry I

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) CH3 – CH(OH) COOH

Explanation: CH3 – CH(OH) COOH will show optical isomerism as it possess chiral carbon.