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JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3o1273

The enantiopure ketone shown (stereocentre fixed) is reduced with sodium borohydride, followed by work-up. How many stereoisomeric alcohols can form? (Count configurational isomers with the existing stereocentre retained.)

  1. A3
  2. B4
  3. C1
  4. D2

Answer: D

(S)-3-Methylcyclohexanone has one fixed stereocentre. Reduction creates a second one at C-1 bearing OH, which may be cis or trans to the methyl group. The two products, cis- and trans-3-methylcyclohexanol, are diastereomers, so 2 stereoisomers form. RDKit enumeration with the methyl centre fixed gives 2.
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