Chapter 5, Problem 34P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

In an alkane, the minimum number of carbons required to exist in enantiomeric forms is to be determined, and two sets of enantiomers with this minimum number of carbon atoms are to be named.

Concept Introduction:

The molecules that are non-superimposable or not identical with their mirror images are known as chiral molecules.

A pair of two mirror images that are non-identical is known as enantiomers and these are optically active.

The enantiomers in which the path traced from the highest atomic number to the lowest atomic number is in the anticlockwise direction are designated as $S$.

The enantiomers in which the path traced from the highest atomic number to the lowest atomic number is in the clockwise direction are designated as $R$.

The objects or molecules that are superimposable with their mirror images are achiral objects or molecules. These objects have a centre of symmetry or plane of symmetry.

The achiral compounds in which the plane of symmetry is present internally and consists of chiral centres are known as meso compounds, but they are optically inactive.

The stereo formula which is depicted in two dimensions, in which stereochemical information is not destroyed, is determined by the Fisher Projection formula.

The stereoisomers which are non-superimposable on each other and not mirror images of each other are known as diastereomers.

Chiral molecules are capable of rotating plane polarized light

The molecules which are superimposable or identical with their mirror images are known as achiral molecules, and achiral molecules are not capable of rotating the plane-polarised light.

Plane of symmetry is the plane that bisects the molecule in two equal halves, such that they are mirror images of each other.

Compounds having plane of symmetry are usually achiral as they do not have different atoms around the central carbon atom.