How many $\mathrm{stereogenic} \mathrm{centers}$ are present in menthol?

• A. $2$
• B. $3$
• C. $1$
• D. $4$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what a stereogenic center (chiral center) is. A stereogenic center is typically a carbon atom bonded to four different groups, leading to non-superimposable mirror images (enantiomers).
2. Step 2: Obtain or draw the structure of menthol. Menthol is a cyclohexane derivative with several substituents including hydroxyl (–OH) and methyl (–CH3) groups.
3. Step 3: Identify all carbon atoms in menthol and examine their substituents. Look for carbons bonded to four different groups, which qualify as stereogenic centers.
4. Step 4: Count each carbon that meets the criteria of having four distinct substituents. Remember that carbons in a ring can be stereogenic if their substituents differ in spatial arrangement.
5. Step 5: Sum the total number of stereogenic centers found in the menthol molecule to determine the correct answer.