Question

Which of the following will give Walden inversion?
A.
B.
C.
D. All

Answer 1

We know that the inversion of a chiral center in a molecule in a chemical reaction is called Walden inversion. A molecule will form two enantiomers around a chiral center; the Walden inversion converts the configuration of the molecule from one enantiomeric form to the opposite.

Complete step by step answer: Walden inversion:
Inversion of the configuration of one optically active compound into another may or may not lead to a change in the direction of optical rotation and that may be of either of two general types. In $S{N_2}$ reaction, Walden inversion occurs at a tetrahedral carbon atom.
From the above given option, option A is optically active because it has chiral carbon, and will have Walden inversion.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Additional Information: We see what is chirality and enantiomer.
- Chirality:
A molecule or ion is called chiral only when there is no superimposable mirror image and there is no plane of symmetry in the molecule. This property is known as chirality.
- Conditions for optical activity:
The molecule should posse's asymmetric central atom (chiral atom).
There should be no plane of symmetry or axis.
The molecule should have a non-superimposable mirror image.
- Enantiomers:
The compounds which are mirror images but are not identical; to each other are called enantiomers.

Note: We must remember that if the molecular composition is preserved during the reaction then it is referred to as retention of configuration. Inversion means the mechanism in which the structure of the molecules is changed during the reaction. The result is thus of the opposite enantiomeric form relative to the reactant.