Which of the following compounds are meso?


(c) <IMAGE>

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the compound's symmetry: Check if the compound has a plane of symmetry that divides it into two mirror-image halves.
2. Determine the stereochemistry: Assign R/S configuration to each chiral center in the compound.
3. Check for internal compensation: Verify if the compound has chiral centers that are mirror images of each other, leading to an overall achiral molecule.
4. Evaluate the compound's optical activity: Confirm that the compound is optically inactive due to the presence of a plane of symmetry.
5. Conclude meso status: If the compound meets the criteria of having a plane of symmetry and is optically inactive, it is a meso compound.

Key Concepts

Meso Compounds

Meso compounds are a specific type of stereoisomer that possess multiple chiral centers but are achiral due to an internal plane of symmetry. This means that despite having chiral centers, the overall molecule does not exhibit optical activity because it can be superimposed on its mirror image.

Chirality

Chirality refers to the property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image, much like left and right hands. A chiral molecule typically has at least one carbon atom bonded to four different substituents, leading to two possible configurations, known as enantiomers.

Stereoisomerism

Stereoisomerism is a form of isomerism where molecules have the same molecular formula and connectivity of atoms but differ in the spatial arrangement of their atoms. This category includes both enantiomers and diastereomers, with meso compounds being a unique subset that combines features of both types.