Chapter 22.1, Problem 8SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the given pair of hydrocarbons is pair of optical isomers or not needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The two compounds having same number and type of atoms and bonds but different arrangement of atoms are known as isomers. If the two compounds have non-superimposable mirror images they are known as optical isomers. These non-superimposable mirror images are known as enantiomers.

Explanation of Solution

The given pair of substituted hydrocarbons is as follows:

From the above diagram, it can be seen that they are mirror image of each other. There are same number of atoms and bonds thus, both are isomers.

Now, the mirror images are non-superimposable therefore, the pair of hydrocarbons is pair of optical isomers.