Chapter 4.12, Problem 38P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given compound has only one asymmetric center but reason for four stereoisomers has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Stereoisomers are isomers which have different spatial arrangement in spite of same bond connectivity. Stereoisomers are due to the presence of stereocenter.  Stereocenter may be an atom axis (bond) or plane from which interchanging of two groups leads to stereoisomers.

Asymmetric center is a stereocenter which arises to hydrocarbons if the carbon is bonded to four different groups.

The equation for finding Stereoisomers from number of asymmetric centers in compounds is $2^n$, in which ‘n’ is the number of asymmetric centers.

If the four groups attached to a double bond are different, then interchanging of groups of double bond (left side or right side) will lead to cis-trans isomers (stereoisomers).