When evaluating highly symmetrical molecules for total stereoisomerism, why does the simplistic unsy — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The $2^n$ formula assumes every possible structural permutation generates a physically distinct mirror-image enantiomer. In symmetrical molecules, certain permutations create conformations containing an internal Plane of Symmetry. The mirror image of this conformation is physically superimposable on the original, meaning they are the exact same molecule (a meso compound). This collapses an expected pair (2) into a single isomer (1), invalidating the $2^n$ rule.