How many stereoisomers can be drawn for a molecule with formula CH₃CH(OH)CH(OH)CH₃? A)1 B)2 C)3 D)4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The molecule contains chiral centers (marked by 'U') which can give rise to stereoisomers. There are 2 chiral centers, each with 2 possible stereoisomers (R or S). Therefore, the total number of stereoisomers is 2^2 = 4. However, two of these stereoisomers would be identical due to the molecule's symmetry, so the answer is 4/2 = 2.

How Many Stereoisomers Can Be Drawn for a Molecule with Formula