Which of the following compounds does possess one or more asymmetric carbon atoms?

Options

A. Propan-1-ol
B. Butan-2-ol
C. Acetic acid
D. Succinic acid

Explanation

To determine which of the given compounds possesses one or more asymmetric (chiral) carbon atoms, we need to analyze each compound based on the definition of a chiral carbon atom. A chiral carbon atom is one that is bonded to four different groups.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compounds**: The compounds to analyze are propane-1-ol, butane-2-ol, acetic acid, and succinic acid.

2. **Analyze Propane-1-ol**:
- Structure: CH3-CH2-CH2-OH
- In propane-1-ol, the carbon atoms are as follows:
- The first carbon (CH3) is attached to 3 hydrogens.
- The second carbon (CH2) is attached to 2 hydrogens and 1 carbon.
- The third carbon (CH2) is attached to 2 hydrogens and 1 hydroxyl group (OH).
- None of the carbon atoms are attached to four different groups.
- **Conclusion**: Propane-1-ol does not have a chiral carbon.

3. **Analyze Butane-2-ol**:
- Structure: CH3-CH(OH)-CH2-CH3
- In butane-2-ol, focus on the second carbon (the one with the OH group):
- It is attached to:
- A methyl group (CH3)
- An ethyl group (CH2-CH3)
- A hydroxyl group (OH)
- A hydrogen atom (H)
- This carbon is attached to four different groups.
- **Conclusion**: Butane-2-ol has one chiral carbon atom.

4. **Analyze Acetic Acid**:
- Structure: CH3COOH
- In acetic acid, the carbon atoms are:
- The first carbon (CH3) is attached to 3 hydrogens.
- The second carbon (C=O and OH) does not have four different groups because it has a double bond to oxygen and is attached to the same hydroxyl group (OH).
- **Conclusion**: Acetic acid does not have a chiral carbon.

5. **Analyze Succinic Acid**:
- Structure: HOOC-CH2-CH2-COOH
- In succinic acid, the carbon atoms are:
- The first and last carbons (COOH) are each attached to two hydrogens and one carbon (not chiral).
- The middle carbons (CH2) are attached to two hydrogens.
- **Conclusion**: Succinic acid does not have a chiral carbon.

### Final Conclusion:
The only compound that possesses one or more asymmetric carbon atoms is **butane-2-ol**.

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