Question

Which of the following statement is false about the given structure?

• A. These are the isomers of glyceraldehyde
• B. Both contain one asymmetric carbon atom
• C. Both exist in the two enantiomeric form
• D. $I \rightarrow(-)$-glyceraldehyde said to have L-configuration
  $II$ $\rightarrow(+)$-glyceraldehyde said to have D-configuration

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

The letter ' $D$ ' or ' $L$ ' before the name of any compound indicate the relative configuration of particular stereoisomer. This refers to the relation with particular isomer of glyceraldehyde. Glyceraldehyde contains one asymmetric carbon atom and exists in two enantiomeric forms.

All those compounds which can be chemically correlated to $(+)$ isomer of glyceraldehyde are said to have $D$-configuration whereas those which can be correlated to $(-)$ isomer of glyceraldehyde are said to have $L$-configuration.