Help with Meso Compounds - Organic Chemistry

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Question

Which of the following are meso compounds?

I. 2,4-dichloropentane

II. 1,3-dimethylcyclopentane

III. 2,3-dichloropentane

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Answer

A meso compound has at least two stereocenters, but is not chiral due to an axis of symmetry. Each of the given molecules have two stereocenters. However, if you cut the first molecule in half, you would get two identical half molecules. If you cut the second molecule in half, the same would occur. Thus, I and II have meso stereoisomers. To solve this question, it is easiest to draw out the given molecules.

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