Consider the advanced stereochemical case of completely symmetrical molecules possessing an ODD numb — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Symmetrical molecules with odd chiral centers feature a central "pseudo-chiral" carbon. Depending on the configurations of the terminal chiral centers, this central carbon can lie squarely on an internal Plane of Symmetry, generating valid meso forms. The correct formulas are: Meso = $2^{(n-1)/2}$, Active = $2^{n-1} - 2^{(n-1)/2}$. The sum of these (Total) simplifies perfectly to $2^{n-1}$.