Chapter 24, Problem 24.2P

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

Whether the two structures of $\text{2, 3-dihydroxy-2, 3-dimethylsuccinic}\text{acid}$ are identified as: enantiomers, diastereomers, or, identical molecules is to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Those compounds which have the same molecular formula but have different arrangements of atoms are known as isomers. The phenomenon is called isomerism. The isomers are generally classified as structural isomers and stereoisomers. Stereoisomers are further divided into two categories diastereomers and enantiomers. Enantiomers are the isomers which are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. Diastereomers are the isomers which are non-superimposable and are not mirror images of each other.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

Whether the two structures of $\text{2-aminopropanoic}\text{acid}$ are identified as enantiomers, diastereomers, or, identical molecules is to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Fischer projections is a two dimensional representation of organic compounds. It was proposed to represent glucose molecules. The carbon chain is represented vertically; the hydoxy groups and hydrogen atoms are represented horizontally, according to their stereochemistry. The aldehyde group is paced at the top of the carbon chain and numbered $1$ and the ketone group is usually placed at the carbon $\text{-2}$.