Chirality & SymmetryStereochemistry
Why are quaternary ammonium salts (e.g., ) optically active?
Expert Answer
Unlike amines, quaternary salts cannot undergo pyramidal inversion (no lone pair), so the chiral configuration is locked and resolvable.
Why are quaternary ammonium salts (e.g., ) optically active?
Unlike amines, quaternary salts cannot undergo pyramidal inversion (no lone pair), so the chiral configuration is locked and resolvable.
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