Chapter 11, Problem 59P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

All the stereoisomers possible for 1,2,3-cyclopentanetriol, with their labeled chiral centers, are to be drawn. Also, the enantiomers and diastereomers that exist for the compound are to be distinguished.

Concept introduction:

Enantiomers: Two molecules that are mirror images of each other and are non-superimposable.

A meso compound is an achiral compound that has chiral centers. It tends to get superimposed on its mirror image that makes it optically inactive, although it contains two or more stereocenters. It has a d-configuration above the plane and an l-configuration below the plane, or vice versa.

Diastereomers: Two stereoisomers that have different orientations of atoms around and are not mirror images of each other.