What role do chiral centers play in organic chemistry?

Chiral centers play a crucial role in organic chemistry by giving rise to chiral molecules, which are molecules that cannot be superimposed on their mirror images. This property leads to the formation of isomers known as enantiomers, which can have significantly different chemical and physical properties, including distinct optical activities.

In essence, when a molecule contains one or more chiral centers, it can exist in two forms that are mirror images of each other. These enantiomers rotate plane-polarized light in opposite directions—one clockwise and the other counterclockwise—illustrating their differing interactions with other chiral substances, such as biological molecules. This is particularly important in pharmaceuticals, where the different enantiomers of a drug can have vastly different effects on the body.

The other options do not accurately reflect the significance of chiral centers. The creation of isotopes, the stability of alkanes, and the measurement of boiling points pertain to different aspects of chemistry and do not pertain to the unique characteristics and implications of chirality in organic compounds.