How to identify a compound as chiral or achiral?

Question

I read my book and learned everything about enantiomers, racemization, $\\mathrm{S_N1}$ and $\\mathrm{S_N2}$ reactions, but when I'm trying to identify molecules as chiral or achiral, I get confused. Consider the two molecules below: 1.CH3-CH-OH | Br 2.CH3-CH-Br | Br How can I tell if a compound is chiral?

Answer 1

Chirality occurs when a carbon atom is bonded to 4 different atoms or groups. In the molecules you have listed, draw their expanded chemical structures and see which one has carbon bonded to 4 different atoms/groups.