Chapter 4.12, Problem 21P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The maximum number of stereoisomeric $\text{2-ketohexoses}$ having the given constitution is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

A chirality center is the tetrahedral carbon, which is directly attached to four different atoms or groups.

For a molecule with more than one chirality center, the maximum number of stereoisomers is ${\text{2}}^{\text{n}}$, where $\text{n}$ is the number of chirality centers.

The molecule which has the possibility of meso isomers has less than ${\text{2}}^{\text{n}}$ number of stereoisomers.