Chapter 5, Problem 5.19P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

All configurational isomers of $\text{cylcohexane -1, 3 - diol}$ are to be drawn. It is to be determined if the total number of configurational isomers is equal to ${\text{2}}^{\text{n}}$.

Concept introduction:

Stereoisomers which differ in their spatial arrangement of atoms and are non-superimposable on its mirror image are called chiral molecules. The asymmetric center in the molecule is called chiral center. The total number of stereoisomers is calculated by the formula:

Number of stereoisomers ${\text{= 2}}^{\text{n}}$

Where

‘$\text{n}$’ Is the number of chiral center.

Meso isomer is nothing but a compound which has a symmetry plane that divides the molecule in two halves which are are mirror images of each other. Meso compounds tend to be optically inactive.