What is the possible number of stereoisomers for 2, 3-dichlorobutane?

Question

What is the possible number of stereoisomers for 2, 3-dichlorobutane? (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

The maximum number of stereoisomers are

2^{n}

where n = number of chiral centres. In this example, there are two chiral centres, but this compound also exist in 'meso form'. Hence, the number of stereoisomers of this compound

= 2^{2} - 1 = 3

.

Q. What is the possible number of stereoisomers for 2, 3-dichlorobutane?

1

2

3

4

The maximum number of stereoisomers are 2n where n = number of chiral centres. In this example, there are two chiral centres, but this compound also exist in 'meso form'. Hence, the number of stereoisomers of this compound =22−1=3 .

The maximum number of stereoisomers are $2^{n}$ where n = number of chiral centres. In this example, there are two chiral centres, but this compound also exist in 'meso form'. Hence, the number of stereoisomers of this compound $= 2^{2} - 1 = 3$ .