MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / Stereoisomerism / Optical isomerism and chirality from structures
JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3st224

The compound shown is 2,3-dibromobutane drawn without stereochemistry. Which of the four stereo drawings shown as options is its meso (achiral) stereoisomer?

  1. AStructure P
  2. BStructure Q
  3. CStructure R
  4. DStructure S

Answer: C

2,3-Dibromobutane has two equivalent stereocentres, so its stereoisomers are , and the meso form. Structure P is and Q is ; these are the enantiomeric pair. Structure S is 2,3-dibromopentane, a different compound with no meso form. Structure R has one and one centre on identical halves, so it has an internal mirror plane and is the meso isomer.
Practice Stereoisomerism More on Optical isomerism and chirality from structures

More questions on Optical isomerism and chirality from structures