1a
1 mark
Ibuprofen is a widely used anti-inflammatory drug. The skeletal formula of ibuprofen is shown below.
Which of the following best describes a chiral centre?
A carbon atom with four bonds
A carbon atom bonded to four different groups
A carbon atom bonded to at least one hydrogen atom
A carbon atom that is part of a ring structure
1b
1 mark
Clearly label the chiral carbon atom, with an asterisk (*), on the skeletal formula of ibuprofen shown above
1c
2 marks
Draw the two enantiomers of ibuprofen, showing their three-dimensional shape.
1d
2 marks
State how a polarimeter could be used to distinguish between the two enantiomers of ibuprofen.
1e
1 mark
Ibuprofen is manufactured and sold as a racemic mixture.
State what is meant by a racemic mixture.
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