StereochemistryMedium

Number of stereoisomers

A molecule has 3 chiral centers and no internal symmetry. How many stereoisomers are possible?

Given data

n = 3 chiral centers

Steps

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Each chiral center can take 2 independent configurations (R or S). With n centers the combinations are therefore 2ⁿ; this holds as long as there is no internal symmetry (which would create meso forms and lower the count). Here no symmetry → 2ⁿ.
Write your working — the numerical result must appear in the text

Full worked solution

Each chiral center can take 2 independent configurations (R or S). With n centers the combinations are therefore 2ⁿ; this holds as long as there is no internal symmetry (which would create meso forms and lower the count). Here no symmetry → 2ⁿ.
$2^n = 2^3$
$2^n = 2^3 = \mathbf{8}$ stereoisomers (4 pairs of enantiomers).

Result:

8

stereoisomers

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