Chemistry - ALCOHOL & ETHER Question with Solution | TestHub

Question Explanation:

The question asks for the total number of stereoisomers of the final product B.

Concept:

This question is based on oxidative cleavage by HIO₄ , reduction of carbonyl compounds by LiAlH₄ and counting of stereoisomers of product B.

Solution:

Step 1: Oxidative Cleavage by HIO₄

Step 2: Reduction by LiAlH₄

Step 3: Counting of stereoisomers of compound B (Octane-2,7-diol).

Compound (B) contains two chiral centres and also has a plane of symmetry. Therefore, it exhibits a

meso form. Hence, the total number of stereoisomers of compound (B) is 3 — out of which 2 are

optically active enantiomers and 1 is optically inactive (meso form).