The number of configurational isomers of molecules having (n) differen...
Number of Configurational Isomers of Molecules with Chiral Carbons
Chiral carbons are carbon atoms in a molecule that have four different groups attached to them, leading to the possibility of optical isomerism. The number of configurational isomers of molecules with (n) different chiral carbons can be calculated using the following formula:
Answer: a) 2n
Explanation:
Chirality and Isomerism
- Chirality arises when a molecule is not superimposable on its mirror image.
- Molecules with chiral carbons can exist as enantiomers, which are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.
Number of Configurational Isomers
- For each chiral carbon, there are two possible stereoisomers: R and S configurations.
- Therefore, for (n) chiral carbons, there are 2^n possible combinations of R and S configurations.
- This results in a total of 2^n configurational isomers for molecules with (n) chiral carbons.
Example:
- If a molecule has 2 chiral carbons, there will be 2^2 = 4 configurational isomers (RR, RS, SR, SS).
Conclusion:
- The number of configurational isomers of molecules with (n) different chiral carbons is 2^n, making option a) the correct choice.