Question

If 'n' represents total number of asymmetric carbon atoms in a compound, the possible number of optical isomers of the compound is :

• A. $2n$
• B. $n^2$
• C. $2^n$
• D. $2n+2$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $2^n$

The general formula for calculating stereoisomer is: $2^n$, where n is the number of chiral centers.

Stereoisomers are compounds with the same chemical formula but different spatial arrangement and chiral centers are carbons that are bonded to 4 different groups. So, the possible no of optical isomers can be $2^n$.