Which of the following compounds are meso?
(c)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of meso compounds. Meso compounds are achiral molecules that contain multiple stereocenters and have an internal plane of symmetry, making them optically inactive.
2. Step 2: Analyze the given structure. The compound is a cyclohexane ring with two substituents: a bromine (Br) and a hydroxyl group (OH), both attached to stereocenters.
3. Step 3: Check for stereocenters. Identify the two stereocenters in the molecule where the Br and OH groups are attached. These stereocenters are crucial for determining chirality.
4. Step 4: Look for symmetry. Examine the molecule to see if there is an internal plane of symmetry. If the substituents (Br and OH) are positioned such that the molecule is symmetrical, it may be meso.
5. Step 5: Confirm meso status. Verify that the stereocenters have opposite configurations (e.g., R and S) and that the molecule as a whole is achiral due to the symmetry. This combination indicates that the compound is meso.

Key Concepts

Meso Compounds

Meso compounds are a specific type of stereoisomer that possess multiple chiral centers but are achiral due to an internal plane of symmetry. This means that despite having chiral centers, the overall molecule does not exhibit optical activity. Identifying meso compounds often involves analyzing the symmetry of the molecule and determining if it can be superimposed on its mirror image.

Chirality

Chirality refers to the property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image, much like left and right hands. A chiral molecule typically has at least one carbon atom bonded to four different substituents, creating two distinct enantiomers. Understanding chirality is crucial for recognizing how certain compounds can exist in multiple forms with different properties.

Stereoisomerism

Stereoisomerism is a form of isomerism where compounds have the same molecular formula and connectivity of atoms but differ in the spatial arrangement of those atoms. This category includes both enantiomers and diastereomers, with meso compounds being a unique subset. Recognizing the types of stereoisomers is essential for determining the properties and reactivity of organic compounds.