Question

The total number of optical isomer in the given compound?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer 1

The correct option is C 3

Number of asymmetric C atoms = 2
When the molecule is symmetrical and has even number of chiral carbons.
$\text{Total number of Optical isomers}=2^{n-1}+2^{p-1}$
where n is the number of asymmetrical C atoms and $p=\frac{n}{2}$
$p=\frac{2}{2}=1$
$\text{Total number of Optical isomers}=2^{2-1}+2^{1-1}$
$\text{Total number of Optical isomers}=2^1+2^0=3$