Chapter 10.6, Problem 6E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The reason behind existence of $\text{di-stilbene}$ dibromide existence as two enantiomeric forms unlike $\text{meso-stilbene}$ dibromide should be explained.

Concept introduction:Four kinds of symmetry elements that may be present are tabulated as follows:

  $\begin{array}{ccc}\text{S}\text{.No}& \text{Symmetry element}& \text{Notatio}n\\ 1.& \text{Axis of symmetry}& C_n\\ 2.& \text{Plane of symmetry}& \sigma \\ 3.& \begin{array}{l}\text{Alternating axis of }\\ \text{symmetry}\end{array}& S_n\\ 4.& \text{Center of symmetry}& i\end{array}$

Presence of any symmetry element makes molecule achiral and optically inactive.