See image — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Solution: Relationship Between the Two Polyhydric Alcohols **Step 1: Identify the molecular formula** Both structures contain: - 2 chiral centers (the two middle carbons) - Same connectivity: $C_4H_{10}O_3$ - Both are polyhydric alcohols with 3 OH groups **Step 2: Analyze the stereochemistry of compound (I)** Structure (I): - C1: $CH_3$, $HO$, $H$, $C$ (chiral) - C2: $HO$, $H$, $C$, $C$ (chiral) - C3: $H$, $OH$, $H$, $C$ (chiral) - C4: $CH_3$ The configuration at C2 and C3 is: **(2R, 3R)** or **(2S, 3S)** depending on priority assignment **Step 3: Analyze the stereochemistry of compound (II)** Structure (II): - C1: $CH_3$, $H$, $OH$, $C$ (chiral) - C2: $H$, $OH$, $C$, $C$ (chiral) - C3: $H$, $CH_3$, $OH$, $C$ (chiral) - C4: $OH$ The configuration: **(2S, 3R)** or **(2R, 3S)** — **opposite** at both stereocenters **Step 4: Definition check** **Enantiomers** = Non-superimposable mirror images with opposite configurations at **all** chiral centers. Since both compounds have opposite stereochemistry at both stereocenters (C2 and C3), compound (II) is the mirror image of compound (I). **Answer: (A) Enantiomers** ✓