Why is aspirin achiral?

Question

HIX Tutor · Accepted Answer

undefined Aspirin is achiral because it has no chiral center. Here’s how to understand it:

1. **What is Chiral?**: A molecule is chiral if it has a mirror image that is different from itself, like left and right hands.

2. **Chiral Center**: A chiral center usually has four different groups attached to one carbon atom.

3. **Aspirin's Structure**: In aspirin, the main carbon atoms do not have four different groups.

4. **No Mirror Image**: Since aspirin's structure can be superimposed on its mirror image, it is not chiral.

So, aspirin is achiral because it lacks chiral centers!

Carter Allen · Answer

Because it contains no chiral centres.

Acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, is an organic compound that does not contain chiral centers. It is relatively simple to synthesize in large quantities at a low cost, and given its benefits as a long-term, low-dose medication to prevent heart attacks and strokes, this is truly a fortunate discovery.

Elias Aguila · Answer

undefined Aspirin is achiral because it lacks a stereogenic center, meaning it doesn't have a carbon atom bonded to four different groups. It consists of a carboxylic acid group and an aromatic ring, both of which are planar, resulting in a symmetrical structure that does not exhibit chirality.