Why N-chiral center instead of C?

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Chem_Mod
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Why N-chiral center instead of C?

Postby Chem_Mod » Mon Sep 26, 2011 6:15 pm

Question: Why is the nitrogen in ethylmethylamine a chiral center, even though the nitrogen is bonded to three different groups (H, CH3, and CH2CH3)? Isn't a chiral center defined as a carbon bonded to four different groups?

Chem_Mod
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Re: Why N-chiral center instead of C?

Postby Chem_Mod » Mon Sep 26, 2011 6:15 pm

Answer: It applies to any atom with 4 different groups. Although the N is a tricky one as it has a lone pair of electrons as the 4th group.


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