Question

The number of stereoisomers possible for the following compound is .............. 

Hint:

For cyclic compounds with two substituents on adjacent carbons, the number of stereoisomers is determined by considering the cis/trans configurations and the number of chiral centers.

Answer 1

The given compound is a cyclic compound with two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to the ring. The question asks for the number of stereoisomers possible.
Step 1: Analyze the structure.
- The compound has a cyclic structure with two hydroxyl groups attached to adjacent carbons on the ring. These hydroxyl groups can be positioned in different configurations, either on the same side of the ring (cis) or on opposite sides (trans).
- The two hydroxyl groups create two stereogenic centers (chiral centers) on the molecule.
Step 2: Determine the number of possible stereoisomers.
For a molecule with \(n\) stereocenters, the number of stereoisomers is given by: \[ \text{Number of stereoisomers} = 2^n \] where \(n\) is the number of stereocenters. Here, there are 2 stereocenters (the carbons with hydroxyl groups attached), so the number of stereoisomers is: \[ 2^2 = 4 \] Step 3: Determine the specific types of isomers.
- The four possible stereoisomers are:
1. (R, R) configuration
2. (S, S) configuration
3. (R, S) configuration (meso form)
4. (S, R) configuration (meso form)
Thus, there are 4 stereoisomers, including two enantiomers and two diastereomers.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{4} \]