Question

Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct for the following compound?

• A. It can have a maximum of four stereoisomers
• B. It can have a maximum of two stereoisomers
• C. It is a chiral compound
• D. It is an achiral compound

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B, C

The given compound is a saturated, acyclic hydrocarbon. To solve the problem, let's analyze the statements one by one:

1. It can have a maximum of four stereoisomers: This statement is incorrect. The compound has two chiral centers, resulting in a maximum of 2^n stereoisomers, where n is the number of chiral centers. Here, n = 2, so the maximum number of stereoisomers is 2^2 = 4. However, due to symmetry or other factors, in this specific case, it results in only two stereoisomers.
2. It can have a maximum of two stereoisomers: This statement is correct. As determined by the chiral centers and given structure, the molecule can exist in only two stereoisomeric forms due to the presence of a plane of symmetry.
3. It is a chiral compound: This statement is correct. A compound is chiral if it has a chiral center and no plane of symmetry through the molecule. The presence of chiral centers makes the compound chiral.
4. It is an achiral compound: This statement is incorrect. As established, the compound is chiral due to the presence of chiral centers and the absence of a symmetric plane that would make it achiral.

Thus, the correct answers are:

• It can have a maximum of two stereoisomers.
• It is a chiral compound.