Consider tartaric acid (), a symmetrical molecule possessing an EVEN number of chiral centers (). Ac — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

In highly symmetrical molecules containing an even number of chiral centers ($n$), specific structural permutations result in conformations possessing an internal Plane of Symmetry, collapsing pairs into meso forms. The total stereoisomer count is the sum of the specifically active forms ($2^{n-1}$) and the meso forms ($2^{(n/2 - 1)}$). Thus, Total = $2^{n-1} + 2^{(n/2 - 1)}$. For tartaric acid, this yields $2 + 1 = 3$.