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Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules is meso?
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the presence of chiral centers in each molecule. A chiral center is a carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups.
Determine if the molecule has an internal plane of symmetry. A meso compound is achiral despite having chiral centers due to this symmetry.
For each molecule, visualize or draw the molecule in a way that makes it easier to see if a plane of symmetry exists. This often involves rotating or flipping the molecule.
Check if the stereochemistry of the chiral centers is such that they cancel each other out, leading to an overall achiral molecule.
Conclude which molecule is meso by confirming it has chiral centers and an internal plane of symmetry, making it optically inactive.