See image — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Number of Optical Isomers of Lactic Acid **Structure of Lactic Acid:** $$CH_3-CHOH-COOH$$ **Identification of Chiral Center:** The central carbon atom ($CHOH$) has four different groups attached: - $CH_3$ group - $H$ atom - $OH$ group - $COOH$ group This makes it a **chiral center** (stereogenic center). **Counting Optical Isomers:** For a molecule with $n$ chiral centers, the maximum number of optical isomers is $2^n$. Since lactic acid has **1 chiral center**: $$\text{Number of optical isomers} = 2^1 = 2$$ These are: - **D-lactic acid** (dextrorotatory) - **L-lactic acid** (levorotatory) **Answer: (2) 2** ✓