Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
achiral
Adjective
/eɪˈkaɪrəl/
Definition
Achiral refers to a molecule or object that is not chiral, meaning it cannot be distinguished from its mirror image.
Examples
- The simple structure of the molecule made it achiral.
- Many common substances, like water, are achiral.
- In achiral compounds, the mirror images are identical.
Meaning
In a scientific context, a molecule is described as achiral when it possesses an internal plane of symmetry and does not exhibit optical activity.
Synonyms
- Non-chiral
- Symmetrical
