propin

Propin is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C3H8. It is the simplest alkane to contain a chiral center. Specifically, it is propane where one hydrogen atom on the central carbon has been replaced by a methyl group. This structural modification results in a molecule that is not superimposable on its mirror image, hence its chirality. The enantiomers of propin exist as a pair of stereoisomers.

Despite its chiral nature, propin is not commonly encountered in natural sources. Its synthesis typically involves specific organic chemistry reactions designed to create chiral molecules. Due to its relatively simple structure and the presence of a single chiral center, propin can serve as a model compound for studying the behavior of chiral molecules in various chemical and physical processes. Research involving propin might focus on its spectroscopic properties, its reactivity in stereoselective reactions, or its potential applications in areas where chirality is important, such as in pharmaceuticals or materials science, although practical applications are limited due to its specialized nature and lack of widespread availability.