Question

How many stereoisomers will be obtained from 2,3-dihydroxy butanoic acid?

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 8
• D. 3

Answer 1

The correct option is B 4

$2,3-dihydroxy$ $butanoic$ acid,

$H_3-\underset{\underset{OH}{|}}{\stackrel{\stackrel{H}{|}}{C_3}}-\underset{\underset{OH}{|}}{\stackrel{\stackrel{H}{|}}{C_2}}-\stackrel{\stackrel{H}{||}}{C_1}-OH$

There are $two$ centres in the coumpound.

i.e. $C_2$ and $C_3$.

Thus no. of stereo-isomers will be $2^n$, where $n=$ no. of chiral center.

$⟹2^2=4$