Chapter 28, Problem 28.62P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The compounds A-D are to be identified.

Concept introduction: The optically active compounds should not have plane of symmetry and center of symmetry. A point is said to be center of symmetry, if same molecules are present in opposite direction to each other. If plane passes through the center of the molecule and the molecule is divided into two equal halves, then the molecule is said to have plane of symmetry.

Kilani-Fischer synthesis results in the formation of two epimers. Two compounds which are neither superimposable nor mirror images to each other and the configuration of one of their stereogenic centers is different are known as epimers.