Given a molecule with two chiral centers and no internal plane of symmetry, how many stereoisomers are expected?

• A. $3$
• B. $2$
• C. $4$
• D. $1$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of chiral centers in the molecule. Here, there are 2 chiral centers.
2. Recall the general formula for the maximum number of stereoisomers for a molecule with n chiral centers: \$2^{n}$.
3. Calculate the maximum number of stereoisomers by substituting n = 2 into the formula: \$2^{2}$.
4. Consider whether the molecule has any internal plane of symmetry that could reduce the number of stereoisomers. Since the problem states there is no internal plane of symmetry, no reduction applies.
5. Conclude that the total number of stereoisomers expected is the full \$2^{2} = 4$.