Because unsymmetrical polyene chains and carbohydrates completely lack meso forms, all their calcula — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

In an unsymmetrical system, every single one of the $2^n$ total stereoisomers is distinctly chiral and has a corresponding opposite mirror image. Since two enantiomers constitute exactly one pair, the total number of pairs is mathematically half of the total isomers. $\frac{2^n}{2} = 2^{n-1}$ enantiomeric pairs.