Amongst the following compounds the optically active alkane...

Amongst the following compounds the optically active alkane having lowest molecular mass is $[\mathbf{2 0 0 4}]$
(a) $\mathrm{CH}_{3}-\mathrm{CH}_{2}-\mathrm{CH}_{2}-\mathrm{CH}_{3}$
(b)
(c) 2 -cyclopropylbutane
(d) $\mathrm{CH}_{3}-\mathrm{CH}_{2}-\mathrm{C} \equiv \mathrm{CH}$

Key Concepts

Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry involves the study of the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and its influence on the physical and chemical properties of substances. It encompasses understanding the configuration of chiral centers, the formation of enantiomers, and the resulting optical activity in various organic compounds.

Molecular Mass

Molecular mass is the mass of a given molecule calculated as the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in the molecule. It is an important concept for comparing different compounds, as differences in molecular mass can influence physical properties and reactivity, and it aids in the identification of compounds.

Chirality

Chirality is a geometric property where a molecule lacks an internal plane of symmetry and thus exists in two forms that are mirror images of each other, known as enantiomers. This concept is fundamental in organic chemistry as the two enantiomers can have different chemical and biological properties even though they have the same molecular formula.

Optical Activity

Optical activity refers to the ability of a compound to rotate the plane of polarized light. This property is observed in chiral molecules, which are non-superimposable on their mirror images. The study of optical activity is central to stereochemistry and helps in distinguishing between different enantiomers of a compound.

Alkanes

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms connected by single bonds. They follow the general formula C?H???? and form a basic class of compounds in organic chemistry, serving as a starting point for understanding more complex structures and stereochemical phenomena.

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