Organic Chemistry : Help with Diastereomers

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Organic Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #73 : Stereochemistry

If a given molecule has 5 chiral centers, what is the maximum number of stereoisomers that exist for the molecule. 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

If a molecule has n sterocenters, it has up to  possible steroisomers. Thus, the given molecule has  or  possible stereoisomers. Keep in mind the key word here is maximum, where the molecule may have less than 32 steroisomers, for instance when discussing meso compounds.  

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