How many chiral carbons are present in glucose molecule `CHO(CHOH)_(4)CH_(2)OH` ?

Options

A. 4
B. 3
C. 2
D. 1

Explanation

To determine the number of chiral carbons in the glucose molecule represented by the formula `CHO(CHOH)_(4)CH_(2)OH`, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Glucose
Glucose is an aldohexose, meaning it has an aldehyde group (CHO) and six carbon atoms. The general structure can be represented as:
- C1: CHO (aldehyde)
- C2: CHOH
- C3: CHOH
- C4: CHOH
- C5: CHOH
- C6: CH2OH

### Step 2: Draw the Structure
To visualize the molecule, we can draw the structure of glucose:
```
CHO
|
C1
|
C2 - OH
|
C3 - OH
|
C4 - OH
|
C5 - CH2OH
```
This structure shows the arrangement of the carbon atoms and their respective functional groups.

### Step 3: Identify Chiral Carbons
A chiral carbon is defined as a carbon atom that is attached to four different groups. We will evaluate each carbon in glucose:

- **C1 (CHO)**: Attached to CHO, H, and the rest of the carbon chain. Not chiral (only 3 different groups).
- **C2 (CHOH)**: Attached to OH, H, C1, and C3. Chiral (4 different groups).
- **C3 (CHOH)**: Attached to OH, H, C2, and C4. Chiral (4 different groups).
- **C4 (CHOH)**: Attached to OH, H, C3, and C5. Chiral (4 different groups).
- **C5 (CH2OH)**: Attached to CH2OH, H, C4, and C6. Chiral (4 different groups).
- **C6 (CH2OH)**: Attached to CH2OH, H, C5, and the rest of the chain. Not chiral (only 3 different groups).

### Step 4: Count the Chiral Carbons
From the analysis above, we find that:
- C2, C3, C4, and C5 are chiral carbons.

Thus, the total number of chiral carbons in glucose is **4**.

### Final Answer
The number of chiral carbons present in the glucose molecule `CHO(CHOH)_(4)CH_(2)OH` is **4**.

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