Chapter 5, Problem 5.57P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: All possible constitutional and stereoisomers for a compound of molecular formula ${\text{C}}_{\text{6}}{\text{H}}_{\text{12}}$ having a cyclobutane ring and two methyl groups as substituents are to be drawn. Each compound is to be labeled as chiral or achiral.

Concept introduction: A compound exhibits number of stereoisomers when it contains more than one stereogenic centers. The maximum number of stereoisomers a compound with $n$ number of stereogenic centers can show is $2^{\text{n}}$. A carbon atom which is bonded to four different groups is termedaschiralcenter or stereogenic center. Two compounds which are non-superimposable mirror images of each other are known as enantiomers, whereas two compounds which are neither superimposable nor mirror images to each other are known as diastereomer.