The compound shown is one meso stereoisomer of 2,3,4-trichloropentane. Which statement about its central carbon C3 is correct?

C2 and C4 of the drawn compound have opposite configurations ($R$ and $S$), so C3 carries Cl, H, (R)-$\mathrm{CHClCH}{}_3$ and (S)-$\mathrm{CHClCH}{}_3$. The two branches are constitutionally identical but differ in configuration, so C3 is pseudoasymmetric: exchanging its Cl and H gives the other meso diastereomer, not an enantiomer. Using the rule that $R$ precedes $S$, priorities are Cl, (R)-branch, (S)-branch, H; for the drawn arrangement this gives the lower-case descriptor $s$. The full name is (2R,3s,4S)-2,3,4-trichloropentane.