Chapter 19, Problem 10P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of stereocenters present in D-glucose and D-ribose should be identified. The number of stereoisomers possible for each monosaccharide should be calculated.

Concept Introduction:

1. If 'n' is even (here n is the number of chiral centres): Number of enantiomers = 2 n - 1. Number of meso compounds = 2 n / 2 - 1. Total number of optical isomers = 2 n - 1 + 2 n / 2 - 1.
2. If 'n' is odd: Number of enantiomers = 2 n - 1 - 2 (n - 1) / 2. Number of meso compounds = 2 (n - 1) / 2.