Question

How can I draw and identify the chiral centers of 5-deoxyribose?

Answer 1

Step 1. Draw ribose.

Step 2. Convert it to 5-deoxyribose

Remove the O atom from the OH group at C-5.

The CH₂OH group becomes a CH₃ group.

Step 3. Identify the chiral centres.

The atoms with four different groups are C-2, C-3, and C-4 (the ones with OH groups).

Note: The common form of deoxyribose is 2-deoxyribose.