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Is (2R,3S)-2,3-dichloropentane optically inactive?
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+ Chirality
+ Stereochemistry
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Oche David
Is (2R,3S)-2,3-dichloropentane optically inactive?
To have an optically inactive meso compound with two chiral centers:
1) the chiral centers must have opposite configuration
2) the chiral centers must have the same set of fragments bonded to them
Among other things the 2 carbon has a methyl group bonded to it versus the 3 carbon having an ethyl group instead. You do not satisfy (2), so you do not have the symmetry required for a meso compound, and the molecule is still chiral and optically active.
To have an optically inactive meso compound with two chiral centers:
1) the chiral centers must have opposite configuration
2) the chiral centers must have the same set of fragments bonded to them
Among other things the 2 carbon has a methyl group bonded to it versus the 3 carbon having an ethyl group instead. You do not satisfy (2), so you do not have the symmetry required for a meso compound, and the molecule is still chiral and optically active.
To have an optically inactive meso compound with two chiral centers:
1) the chiral centers must have opposite configuration
2) the chiral centers must have the same set of fragments bonded to them
Among other things the 2 carbon has a methyl group bonded to it versus the 3 carbon having an ethyl group instead. You do not satisfy (2), so you do not have the symmetry required for a meso compound, and the molecule is still chiral and optically active.
To have an optically inactive meso compound with two chiral centers:
1) the chiral centers must have opposite configuration
2) the chiral centers must have the same set of fragments bonded to them
Among other things the 2 carbon has a methyl group bonded to it versus the 3 carbon having an ethyl group instead. You do not satisfy (2), so you do not have the symmetry required for a meso compound, and the molecule is still chiral and optically active.
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