Question

How many optical isomers does Threonine have?

Answer 1

The optical isomers of Threonine:

• Optical isomers are isomers in which the molecules contain same molecular formula and structure but the mirror image is non-superimposable to each other.
• Chiral center means the carbon atom bonded with four different group.
• The molecular formula of Threonine is ${\mathrm{C}}_4{\mathrm{H}}_9{\mathrm{NO}}_3$. It is an essential amino acid but it is not produce by human body. so it is taken in form of food.
• It has two Chiral center and thus, it has four stereoisomers.
• The below diagram shows the stereoisomers in threonine

Hence, Threonine has four optical isomers.