Which of the following will have meso-isomer also?
- (A)2-chlorobutane
- (B)2-hydroxyopanoic acid
- (C)2,3-dichloropentane
- (D)2-3-dichlorobutane✓ Correct
Answer: (D)
Solution
A meso compound needs two or more stereocentres yet an internal mirror plane that cancels the optical activity. 2,3-dichlorobutane, , has matching stereocentres at C-2 and C-3; the arrangement with the two chlorines on opposite faces carries a plane of symmetry down the middle and is the meso form. The other molecules lack this balanced pair of identical stereocentres, so only 2,3-dichlorobutane shows a meso isomer.
JEE Main · 2004 · 24 Apr 2004 · Offline · Single correct option