Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
Related questions
Question
Can you help explain finding the stereoisomers for this?
![**Title: Understanding Stereoisomerism in Organic Compounds**
**Content:**
The image presents a structural formula of an organic compound and poses a question regarding stereoisomers. The compound is as follows:
- CH₂—CH—CH—CH₃
- On the second carbon, there is an OH (hydroxyl) group attached.
- On the third carbon, there is an OH (hydroxyl) group and a Br (bromine) atom attached on opposite sides.
- On the fourth carbon, there is a Cl (chlorine) atom attached.
**Main Text:**
The question posed is: "How many stereoisomers are possible in this compound?"
**Explanation:**
This compound exhibits potential for stereoisomerism due to the presence of chiral centers. A chiral center, often a carbon atom, is bonded to four different substituents, allowing for different spatial arrangements (stereochemistry). The presence of two chiral centers in this compound can lead to multiple stereoisomers.
The number of possible stereoisomers is given by the formula \(2^n\), where \(n\) is the number of chiral centers. In this instance, there are two chiral centers, therefore:
\[ \text{Number of stereoisomers} = 2^2 = 4 \]
These stereoisomers include different configurations such as enantiomers (mirror images) and diastereomers (non-mirror image stereoisomers). Understanding and identifying these isomers is crucial in fields such as medicinal chemistry, where the configuration of molecules can significantly impact biological function and activity.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F9ceadcea-1d0c-46b9-af7a-48f9b0bf3d90%2F3c72ec3f-45aa-4711-b456-e417908962a4%2Fta3ldye_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Understanding Stereoisomerism in Organic Compounds**
**Content:**
The image presents a structural formula of an organic compound and poses a question regarding stereoisomers. The compound is as follows:
- CH₂—CH—CH—CH₃
- On the second carbon, there is an OH (hydroxyl) group attached.
- On the third carbon, there is an OH (hydroxyl) group and a Br (bromine) atom attached on opposite sides.
- On the fourth carbon, there is a Cl (chlorine) atom attached.
**Main Text:**
The question posed is: "How many stereoisomers are possible in this compound?"
**Explanation:**
This compound exhibits potential for stereoisomerism due to the presence of chiral centers. A chiral center, often a carbon atom, is bonded to four different substituents, allowing for different spatial arrangements (stereochemistry). The presence of two chiral centers in this compound can lead to multiple stereoisomers.
The number of possible stereoisomers is given by the formula \(2^n\), where \(n\) is the number of chiral centers. In this instance, there are two chiral centers, therefore:
\[ \text{Number of stereoisomers} = 2^2 = 4 \]
These stereoisomers include different configurations such as enantiomers (mirror images) and diastereomers (non-mirror image stereoisomers). Understanding and identifying these isomers is crucial in fields such as medicinal chemistry, where the configuration of molecules can significantly impact biological function and activity.
Expert Solution

Step 1
Number of chiral centers present in a molecule help us in determination of number of stereoisomers. One chiral center gives two isomers therefore, the formula that we can use is 2n where n is number of chiral center.
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Recommended textbooks for you

Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education

Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education

Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education

Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY