Step 1: Understand what a chiral molecule is. A chiral molecule is one that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image.
Step 2: Identify the chiral center in a molecule. A chiral center is usually a carbon atom that is attached to four different groups.
Step 3: Look at the structure of 2-butanol. It has a carbon chain with a hydroxyl (OH) group.
Step 4: Check the second carbon in 2-butanol. It is attached to four different groups: a methyl group (CH3), an ethyl group (C2H5), a hydroxyl group (OH), and a hydrogen atom (H).
Step 5: Since the second carbon has four different groups attached, it is a chiral center.
Step 6: Conclude that 2-butanol is a chiral molecule because it has a chiral center.
