Number of chiral carbon present in the following compound:
`CH_(3)-underset(OH)underset(|)CH-CH_(2)-underset(Br)underset(|)CH-underset(C_(2)H_(5))underset(|)CH-CH_(3)`

Options

A. `2`
B. `3`
C. `4`
D. `5`

Explanation

To determine the number of chiral carbons in the given compound, we will analyze each carbon atom in the structure and check if it meets the criteria for chirality. A carbon atom is considered chiral if it is attached to four different groups.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Carbon Atoms**:
The structure of the compound is:
```
CH3 - OH
|
CH
|
CH2 - Br
|
CH - C2H5
|
CH - CH3
```
We will examine each carbon atom in the compound.

2. **Examine the First Carbon (CH3)**:
- This carbon is attached to three hydrogen atoms (3H).
- Since all three substituents are the same (H), this carbon is **not chiral**.

3. **Examine the Second Carbon (attached to OH)**:
- This carbon is attached to:
- OH (hydroxyl group)
- CH3 (methyl group)
- H (hydrogen atom)
- CH (next carbon in the chain)
- All four substituents are different, making this carbon **chiral**.

4. **Examine the Third Carbon (CH)**:
- This carbon is attached to:
- CH2 (next carbon in the chain)
- Br (bromine)
- H (hydrogen)
- CH (the carbon with OH)
- All four substituents are different, making this carbon **chiral**.

5. **Examine the Fourth Carbon (C2H5)**:
- This carbon is attached to:
- CH2 (next carbon in the chain)
- CH3 (methyl group)
- H (hydrogen)
- CH (the carbon with OH)
- All four substituents are different, making this carbon **chiral**.

6. **Examine the Fifth Carbon (CH)**:
- This carbon is attached to:
- CH3 (methyl group)
- CH2 (next carbon in the chain)
- H (hydrogen)
- CH3 (the carbon with 3H)
- Since it has two identical substituents (CH3), this carbon is **not chiral**.

### Conclusion:
After analyzing all the carbon atoms in the compound, we find that there are **three chiral carbons**.

### Final Answer:
The total number of chiral carbons in the compound is **3**.

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