Q52 E_c. - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

Draw the meso form of each of the following molecules, and indicate the plane of symmetry in each:

(a)

(b)

(c)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(c) The meso form of the given molecule, along with the plane of symmetry, is,

Meso compounds

In stereochemistry, meso compounds are described as optically inactive compounds. It has an imaginary plane of symmetry that divides the molecule into two, which are mirror images of one another.

The meso form of the molecule (c)

(c) The meso form of this molecule is obtained by drawing the horizontal plane of symmetry passing from an OH. The upper and lower portions are mirror images of each other. The upper chiral carbon has an S configuration, and the lower chiral carbon has an R configuration.

                                                  Meso form of the molecule