2,3-butanediol is a meso compound because it has two chiral centers but is superimposable on its mirror image.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: Which of the following is a meso compound?
Solution: 2,3-butanediol is a meso compound because it has two chiral centers but is superimposable on its mirror image.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand what a meso compound is. A meso compound has multiple chiral centers but is symmetrical, making it superimposable on its mirror image.
Step 2: Identify the compound in question, which is 2,3-butanediol. This compound has two chiral centers (the two carbon atoms with -OH groups).
Step 3: Check the structure of 2,3-butanediol. Draw or visualize the molecule to see if it has a plane of symmetry.
Step 4: Determine if the molecule is superimposable on its mirror image. If you can fold the molecule along a line and it matches perfectly, it is a meso compound.
Step 5: Conclude that 2,3-butanediol is a meso compound because it has two chiral centers but is symmetrical, allowing it to be superimposable on its mirror image.
