Isomers (Organic Chem Chapter 2)

Question 1

How do you determine the maximum number of stereoisomers within a compound?

Answer 1

To determine the maximum number of stereoisomers within a compound, use the equation 2ⁿ.

• Where n = the # of chiral carbons in the compound

Question 2

Which conformation is better: The axial or equitorial conformation?

Answer 2

Equitorial is more stable by reducing ring strain as compared to axial. Thus, the equitorial conformation is preferred over the axial position.

Question 3

What is the difference between absolute and relative configurations?

Question 4

What is the difference between enantiomers and diasteriomers?

Answer 4

Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other and can be differ at a single chiral carbon. Diastereomers are non-superimposable molecules that are not mirror images of each other and must have at least 2 chiral carbons.

• Cis/trans isomers are a subset of diastereomers.