Chapter 6: Chirality: Problems

Chapter 6: Chirality 153

Chapter 6: Chirality

Problems
6.1 Each molecule has one stereocenter. Identify the stereocenter in each and draw
stereorepresentations of the enantiomers of each.

HO H HO H H OH
H OH
(a) * * (b) * *
* *
(c)
6.2 Assign an R or S configuration to each stereocenter:
4 1 1
(a) H OH H OH (b) H OH S
4
2 3 CH 3 C OH 2 C H
S
CH 3CH 2
CH3 CH3 CH3CH 2 CH3
3
CH3 CH3 view down C–H bond
2 When determining R,S configuration, the

(c) HC O HC O group of lowest priority must be pointing
R
C 4 towards the back. Your molecular model
H C OH 1 H kit would be of great assistance – simply
HO CH2OH
CH2OH build the molecule and place #4 in the
3
back.
view down C–H bond
154 Chapter 6: Chirality
6.3 Following are stereorepresentations of the four stereoisomers of 3-chloro-2-butanol:
CH 3 CH3 CH3 CH 3
H C OH H C OH HO C H HO C H
Cl C H H C Cl H C Cl Cl C H
CH 3 CH3 CH3 CH 3
(1) (2) (3) (4)
(a) Whichcompounds are enantiomers?
Enantiomers are mirror images of one another. The chiral centers in one enantiomer
are all opposite of those in the other enantiomer. There are two pairs of enantiomers,
(1) and (3), and (2) and (4).
(b) Which compounds are diastereomers?
Diastereomers are compounds that are stereoisomers of each other, but they are not
enantiomers. As a result, diastereomers must have one at least one stereocenter of
the same configuration and at least one stereocenter of different configuration. There
are four pairs of diastereomers, (1) and (2), (1) and (4), (2) and (3), and (3) and (4).
6.4 Following are four Newman projection formulas for tartaric acid:
COOH COOH COOH COOH

H OH HO H H COOH H COOH
H OH H OH H OH HO H
COOH COOH OH OH
(1) (2) (3) (4)
COOH COOH
HO H HO H
H OH HO H
COOH COOH
(a) Which represent the same compound?
When comparing Newman projections, it is often helpful to rotate the carbon-carbon

bond to obtain a useful reference point. In the structures above, (3) and (4) have been
rotated so that the two −COOH groups are anti to each other, as in (1) and (2). This
allows us to immediately notice that (2) and (3)
are identical.
COOH COOH
(b) Which represent enantiomers? H OH HO H
When compounds (1) and (4) are lined up side-
by-side, they are mirror images of each other, H OH HO H
so they are enantiomers. COOH COOH
(c) Which represent(s) meso tartaric acid?
(2) and (3), which are the same, are meso because they have an internal plane of
symmetry. It is helpful to draw an eclipsed conformation; in meso compounds, the
substituents that are eclipsing each other are identical. The internal plane of
symmetry lies parallel to the page and is between the front and rear carbon atoms of
the Newman projection. Drawing the structure using the representation used in
Problem 6.3 also reveals an internal plane of symmetry.
COOH H COOH
HO H HO H
HO
HO C H
H OH HO C H
COOH COOH
COOH COOH
6.5 How many stereoisomers are possible for 1,3-cyclopentanediol?
Because 1,3-cyclopentanediol has two stereocenters, a maximum of four stereoisomers

are possible. The two −OH groups can be configured up/up, up/down, down/down, and
down/up. However, the up/up and down/down configurations represent the same meso
compound, so there are only three possible stereoisomers.
HO OH HO OH trans-1,3-cyclopentanediol
(pair of enantiomers)
HO OH HO OH cis-1,3-cyclopentanediol
(meso)
This problem reiterates an important point: the name trans-1,3-cyclopentanediol does not
distinguish between the two trans enantiomers. The trans designation just means that the
two groups are on opposite sides, relative to each other. Thus, there are only two cis-
trans isomers of 1,3-cyclopentanediol, but there are a total of three stereoisomers.
6.6 How many stereoisomers are possible for 1,4-cyclohexanediol?
The compound is achiral because it has an internal plane of symmetry, and it does not
have any stereocenters. However, the cyclohexane ring allows for cis-trans isomerism.
HO OH HO OH
cis-1,4-cyclohexanediol trans-1,4-cyclohexanediol
Chemical Connections
6A. Draw all possible stereoisomers of Captopril and determine the relationship between each.
Following are structural formulas for three other angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors, all members of the "pril" family. Which are chiral? For each that is chiral,
determine the number of stereoisomers possible for it. List the similarities in structure
among each of these four drugs.
Four stereoisomers are possible for Captopril. There are two pairs of enantiomers
(indicated by solid arrows) and four pairs of diastereomers (indicated by dotted arrows).
O O
CH2SH CH2SH
N C N C
H CH3
CH3 H
H COOH H COOH
O O
CH2SH CH2SH
N C N C
H H
CH3 CH3
H H
HOOC HOOC
Quinapril, Ramipril, and Enalapril each contain three chiral centers, giving rise to 23 = 8
possible stereoisomers for each compound. These drugs share structural similarities
(indicated in bold) with Captopril, which is redrawn below. The indicated similarities are
likely essential for the angiotensin-converting enzyme to bind to these drugs.
CH3 O O
CH3 CH3
HS N N *
* N *
O COOH H
O COOH
Captopril Quinapril (Accupril)
CH3 O O CH3 O O
CH3 CH3
N * N *
* N * * N *
H H
O COOH O COOH
Ramipril (Altace) Enalapril (Vasotec)
Quick Quiz
1. Enantiomers are always chiral. True. In order for an object or a molecule to be chiral, it
cannot have an internal plane of symmetry. As a result, the object or molecule would not be
superimposable on its mirror image.
2. An unmarked cube is chiral. False. An unmarked cube has a plane of symmetry – in fact, it
has three planes of symmetry!
3. Stereocenters can be designated using E and Z. False. The E/Z system is used to identify
cis-trans isomers of alkenes. Stereocenters are designated using R and S.
4. A chiral molecule will always have a diastereomer. False. A chiral molecule will always
have an enantiomer, but not necessarily a diastereomer. Molecules with two or more
stereocenters may have diastereomers.
5. Every object in nature has a mirror image. True. It is possible to have a mirror image of
every object – it’s a matter of if the mirror images are the same or different!
6. A molecule that possesses an internal plane of symmetry can never be chiral. True. The
mirror image of such a molecule would be superimposable and thus identical.
7. Pairs of enantiomers have the same connectivity. True. Stereoisomers have the same
connectivity but different, noninterconverting spatial positionings of the atoms and groups.
Compounds that are stereoisomers must all be of the same constitutional isomer.
8. Enantiomers, like gloves, occur in pairs. True. Enantiomers are always mirror images of
each other, so they can only exist as pairs.
9. A cyclic molecule with two stereocenters will always have only three stereoisomers. False.
The number of possible stereoisomers will depend on whether the substituents bonded to
the ring are identical or not. For example, 1-chloro-2-fluorocyclohexane has four
stereosiomers, but 1,2-dichlorocyclohexane has only three stereoisomers.
10. An achiral molecule will always have a diastereomer. False. Only achiral molecules that
have two or more stereocenters (meso compounds) will have a diastereomer.
11. The cis and trans isomers of 2-butene are chiral. False. Although cis-trans isomerism is a
type of stereoisomerism, it is not the same as chirality. The cis-trans isomers of 2-butene
are not mirror images of each other.
12. A human foot is chiral. True. Your left and right feet are mirror images of each other, and
this is why we need left and right shoes. Those shoes are also mirror images! Also recall
enantiomers behave differently in a chiral environment – this is why your left foot does not
properly fit in your right shoe.
13. A compound with n stereocenters will always have 2n stereoisomers. False. It is incorrect
that it will always have 2n stereoisomers. This number is simply a mathematical maximum
of the number of stereoisomers that may exist.
14. A molecule with three or more stereocenters cannot be meso. False. As long as a molecule
has at least two stereocenters and an internal plane of symmetry, it is meso.
15. A molecule with three or more stereocenters must be chiral. False. Meso compounds,
which are achiral, may have three or more stereocenters.
16. Each member of a pair of enantiomers will have the same boiling point. True. Enantiomers
have the same physical properties, which includes boiling point.
17. If a molecule is not superposable on its mirror image, it is chiral. True. Chiral objects have
nonsuperimposable mirror images.
18. For a molecule with two tetrahedral stereocenters, four stereoisomers are possible. True.
Keep in mind that this is the maximum number that is possible and that it can be reduced if
a meso stereoisomer exists.
19. Constitutional isomers have the same connectivity. False. Constitutional isomers have the
same molecular formula, but they have different connectivity.
20. Enantiomers can be separated by interacting them with the same chiral environment or
chemical agent. True. For example, chiral substrate chromatography and enzymes can be
used to separate enantiomers.
21. Enzymes are achiral molecules that can differentiate chiral molecules. False. Enzymes are
chiral, which is why they can differentiate chiral molecules.
22. Cis and trans stereoisomers of a cyclic compound can be classified as diastereomers. True.
cis-trans isomers of cyclic compounds are not mirror images of each other, but they are
stereoisomers. Note that in this context, cis-trans is in reference to the substituents bonded
to the ring and not to an alkene.
23. 3-Pentanol is the mirror image of 2-pentanol. False. These two compounds have the same
molecular formula but different connectivity, so they are constitutional isomers.
24. Diastereomers do not have a mirror image. False. Unless one of the diastereomers is meso,
each of the diastereomers will have its own mirror image.
25. The most common cause of chirality in organic molecules is the presence of a tetrahedral
carbon atom with four different groups bonded to it. True. A carbon bearing four different
groups is a stereocenter.
26. Each member of a pair of enantiomers will have the same density. True. Enantiomers have
the same physical properties.
27. The carbonyl carbon of an aldehyde or ketone cannot be a stereocenter. True. The carbon
of a carbonyl group is only bonded to three substituents.
28. For a molecule with three stereocenters, 32 = 9 stereoisomers are possible. False. The
maximum number of possible stereoisomers is 23 = 8.
29. Diastereomers can be resolved using traditional methods such as distillation. True. Unlike
enantiomers, diastereomers have different physical and chemical properties.
30. A racemic mixture is optically inactive. True. A 1:1 mixture of two enantiomers does not
rotate plane polarized light.
31. 2-Pentanol and 3-pentanol are chiral and show enantiomerism. False. Only 2-pentanol is
chiral; 3-pentanol is achiral.
32. A diastereomer of a chiral molecule must also be chiral. False. The diastereomer of a chiral
molecule may be meso and thus achiral.
33. ln order to designate the configuration of a stereocenter, the priority of groups must be read
in a clockwise or counterclockwise fashion after the lowest priority group is placed facing
towards the viewer. False. The group of lowest priority must be placed facing away from
the viewer.
34. A compound with n stereocenters will always be one of the 2n stereoisomers of that
compound. True. The compound shown or drawn is one of the possible stereoisomers.
35. Each member of a pair of enantiomers could react differently in a chiral environment.
True. In a chiral environment, enantiomers have different chemical properties. This is why
enantiomers of drugs often behave differently in the body.
36. A chiral molecule will always have an enantiomer. True. In order for a molecule to be
chiral, it must have a nonsuperimposable mirror image, which is the enantiomer.
37. Each member of a pair of diastereomers will have the same melting point. False.
Diastereomers have different physical and chemical properties.
38. If a chiral compound is dextrorotatory, its enantiomer is levorotatory by the same number
of degrees. True. Enantiomers rotate plane polarized light to the same magnitude but in
opposite directions.
39. All stereoisomers are optically active. False. Examples of stereoisomers that are optically
inactive are meso compounds and cis-trans isomers of alkenes.
40. There are usually equal amounts of each enantiomer of a chiral biological molecule in a
living organism. False. In living organisms, usually one enantiomer of a chiral biological
molecule is favored.
End-of-Chapter Problems
Chirality
6.7 Define the term stereoisomer. Name four types of stereoisomers.
Stereoisomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula and the same atom
connectivity (i.e. they are of the same constitutional isomer), but have different,
noninterconverting orientations of their atoms or groups in three-dimensional space.
Four types of stereoisomers include:

• Enantiomers, which are nonsuperimposable mirror images
• Diastereomers, which are stereoisomers that are not enantiomers
• cis-trans isomers, which differ by the relative positions of the substituents bonded
to an alkene or a cycloalkane ring
• meso isomers, which are achiral compounds with two or more stereocenters
6.8 In what way are constitutional isomers different from stereoisomers? In what way are
they the same?
Constitutional isomers and stereoisomers have the same molecular formula. They are
different in that constitutional isomers have a different connectivity of atoms, but
stereoisomers have the same atom connectivity and only a different, noninterconverting
spatial orientation of the atoms.
6.9 Compare and contrast the meaning of the terms conformation and configuration.
Conformation refers to the different, interconverting arrangements of atoms, in three-

dimensional space, that are the result of rotation about single bonds. Configuration also
refers to the different spatial arrangement of atoms, but these spatial arrangements are
noninterconverting and cannot be made the same by rotation about single bonds.
6.10 Which of these objects are chiral (assume that there is no label or other identifying
mark)?
(a) a shoe
(b) a sock
(c) an automobile
(d) a ceiling fan
(e) a frying pan
(a), (c) & (d) are chiral
6.11 Think about the helical coil of a telephone cord or the spiral binding on a notebook, and
suppose that you view the spiral from one end and find that it has a left-handed twist. If
you view the same spiral from the other end, does it have a right-handed twist or a left-
handed twist from that end as well?
A spiral with a left-handed twist will have a left-handed twist when viewed from either
end. For the same reason, viewing a chiral molecule from one direction and in another
direction does not mean that you are viewing its mirror image – it is still the same
molecule.
6.12 Next time you have the opportunity to view a collection of augers or other seashells that
have a helical twist, study the chirality of their twists. Do you find an equal number of
left-handed and right-handed augers, or, for example, do they all have the same
handedness? What about the handedness of augers compared with that of other spiral
shells?
This question is meant to encourage you to think about chirality in everyday objects.
Please share your observations with other members of the class and come to collective
conclusion.
6.13 Which of the following compounds are chiral?
(a) & (e) are chiral
6.14 One reason we can be sure that sp3-hybridized carbon atoms are tetrahedral is the number
of stereoisomers that can exist for different organic compounds.
(a) How many stereoisomers are possible for CHCl3, CH2Cl2, and CHBrClF if the four
bonds to carbon have a tetrahedral geometry?
A tetrahedral carbon can only be a stereocenter if there are four different substituents
bonded to it, and only CHBrClF fulfills this requirement. There are two
stereoisomers for CHBrClF, and they represent a pair of enantiomers.
(b) How many stereoisomers are possible for each compound if the four bonds to the
carbon have a square planar geometry?
cis-trans isomerism is possible in a square planar geometry if it has at least two or

more different groups bonded to the central atom. CH2Cl2 (left pair) and CHBrClF
(right pair) satisfy this requirement; note that for the latter, Br and Cl were arbitrarily
chosen for the comparision of cis and trans.
Cl Cl Cl H Cl Br Cl F
C C C C
H H H Cl H F H Br
cis trans cis trans
Enantiomers
6.15 Which compounds contain stereocenters? (See Example 6.1)
(a) 2-propanol
(b) 2-butanol
(c) cyclohexanol
(d) 2-methyl-2-butanol
Only (b)
6.16 Using only C, H, and O, write structural formulas for the lowest-molecular-weight chiral
molecule of each of the following compounds:
(a) Alkane (b) Alcohol
OH
* or * *
(c) Aldehyde (d) Ketone (e) Carboxylic acid

O O O
* H * * OH
6.17 Which alcohols with the molecular formula C5H12O are chiral?
There are eight alcohols with the molecular formula C5H12O, and only three of these
alcohols are chiral. Stereocenters are indicated by an asterisk.
OH OH OH
OH
* *
OH
* OH
OH OH
6.18 (a) Draw all the possible compounds (including stereoisomers) of the formula C3H6Cl2.
(b) Which of the compounds you drew in part (a) are chiral?
(a)
Cl Cl Cl
Cl Cl
(1) Cl Cl (2) (3) (4) Cl (5) Cl
Cl
(b) 4 and 5
6.19 Draw the enantiomer for each molecule:
OH OH CHO CHO
(a) (b)
H OH HO H
CH 3 COOH HOOC CH 3
H H CH2OH CH2OH
COOH COOH
(c) (d) O OH O OH
H 2N H H NH2
CH3 CH3
OH OH OH OH
(e) (f)
NH2 NH2
CH3 CH3
(g) O O (h) H OH HO H
COOH COOH H OH HO H
CH3 CH3
(i) (j)
Br OH Br OH
OH HO
Cl Cl
CH2CH3 CH2CH3
(k) (l)
CH3 CH3
Cl Cl
Note that enantiomers can be drawn a variety of different ways. For example, (d):
O OH HO O O OH
enantiomer
6.20 Mark each stereocenter in these molecules with an asterisk (note that not all contain
stereocenters):
(a) OH (b) OH (c) (d)
O HO
OH *
* OH HO
(a) (b) ) (c) O (d)
*
*
stereocenters):
(a) OH (b)
O
O
OCH3
O OH CH3 N
O
O
Cortisone Cocaine
(c) (d)
H Ph Ph
Me2N
O
Retinal
(Vitamin A) Methadone
OH
O CH3 O OCH3
N
O OH *
** *
(a) (b)
* * ) * O
* * *
O
O
Me2N Ph
H Ph
(c) O (d) *
O
stereocenters):
CH3 COOH CH3

(a) (b) * (c) *
CH3CCH=CH2 HCOH CH3CHCHCOOH
OH CH3 NH2
no stereocenter
CH2OH
(d) O (e) (f) OH
HCOH
CH 3CCH 2CH3 CH3CH2CHCH=CH2
no stereocenter CH2OH *
no stereocenter
COOH
(g)
HOCCOOH
COOH
no stereocenter
6.23 Following are eight stereorepresentations of lactic acid. Take (a) as a reference structure.
Which stereorepresentations are identical with (a) and which are mirror images of (a)?
COOH CH3 COOH CH3

(a) S (b) S (c) S (d) S
H OH HO H HO CH3 H COOH
CH 3 HOOC H HO
COOH CH3 OH CH3

(e) (f) (g) (h)
H OH H OH CH 3 COOH H COOH
R S R R
CH3 COOH H OH
The best way to tackle this type of problem is to take advantage of your molecular model
kit and let it do some of the thinking! Build a model of (a) and see how it compares to the
other structures. Use colored balls to represent each of the four substituents. It is also
completely acceptable to solve this problem by determining the R,S configuration of each
structure, but it is a time-consuming process. Structures (b), (c), (d), and (f) are identical
to (a). Structures (e), (g), and (h) are mirror images of (a).
Designation of Configuration: The R,S Convention

6.24 Assign absolute configurations (R or S) to each of the following compounds.
(a) CH3 (b) H (c) OH (d) OH
H F CH3 CH3S CH3S

OH H Cl
Cl Br Cl H
(e) (f) (g) CH2I (h) O
H OH Cl F CH3
OH
CH3 Br3C
OH
(a) S (b) S (c) R (d) S (e) S (f) S (g) R (h) S
6.25 Which molecules have R configurations?
4
(a) 3 (b) H #4 in the plane
CH3 3 of the page; look
#4 already 2 S
1 S 4 CH3 f rom the bottom
H in the back HOCH2 of the page
Br Br 1
CH2OH
2
look here
2 1 look here
(c) CH 2OH (d)
Br
#4 pointing towards 2 #4 in the plane
3 R 1 you; look f rom the 4 R
CH3 Br H CH 2OH of the page; look
H4 back of the page CH3 f rom the top-right
3 corner of the page
When determining R,S configuration, the group of lowest priority must be pointing
towards the back. However, group #4 is not pointing towards the back in structures (b),
(c), and (d). The best way to solve these structures would be to either use molecular
models or imagine that you are looking at the three-dimensional structures from a
perspective that places group #4 at the back. The latter method takes practice and requires
spatial reasoning, but it works!
6.26 Following are structural formulas for the enantiomers of carvone. Each enantiomer has a
distinctive odor characteristic of the source from which it can be isolated. Assign an
R or S configuration to the stereocenter in each. How can they have such different
properties when they are so similar in structure?
O O
3 R 2 2 S 3
H4 4
H
1 1
(–)-Carvone (+)-Carvone
(Spearmint oil) (Caraway and dillseed oil)
Recall that in achiral environments, enantiomers have the same physical and chemical
properties. However, in a chiral environment, such as that of the chiral odor receptors in
our nose, enantiomers behave differently. The chiral odor receptors in our nose are able
to differentiate between the two enantiomers.
6.27 Suggest a halogen for “X” in the alkyl halide shown below that would achieve the
following:
(a) Give the compound the “R” absolute configuration.

(b) Give the compound the “S” absolute configuration.
(c) Make the compound achiral.
CH3
H
X
Cl
(a) Br or I (b) F (c) Cl

Molecules with Two or More Stereocenters
6.28 Write the structural formula of an alcohol with molecular formula C6H14O that contains
two stereocenters.
OH
* * 3-methyl-2-pentanol
6.29 For centuries, Chinese herbal medicine has used extracts of Ephedra sinica to treat
asthma. Investigation of this plant resulted in the isolation of ephedrine, a potent dilator
of the air passages of the lungs. The naturally occurring stereoisomer is levorotatory and
has the following structure. Assign R or S configuration to each stereocenter.
When there are multiple stereocenters, treat each stereocenter separately.
1 4
OH H HO H OH H
H 1
N 2 N 2 S N
CH3 3 R CH 3 CH3
CH3 CH3 CH3 H
3 4
Ephedrine
6.30 For each of the molecules below indicate each stereocenter with an asterisk.
OH OH
OH OH OH OH OH
(b) (c) (d) * *
(a) * OH * * * * *
OH
6.31 (a) For each of the compounds in problem 6.30, tell how many stereoisomers are
theoretically possible based on the number of stereocenters present.
(b) One of the compounds in problem 6.30 will have fewer stereoisomers than is
theoretically possible based on the number of stereocenters present. Which one is it?
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 4 (d) 8
(b) (b) will have fewer than 4.
6.32 Label the four stereocenters in amoxicillin, which belongs to the family of semisynthetic
penicillins:
NH2
H
N * * S
*
O N *
HO O COOH
Amoxicillin
6.33 Which of the following analgesics are chiral?
(a) O (b)
O
OH O
N
O
aspirin meperidine
(demerol)
(c) (d)
OH
O MeO
N
O N
tramadol
(ultram)
propoxyphene
(darvon)
(c) & (d) are chiral.

6.34 Following are structural formulas for three of the most widely prescribed drugs used to
treat depression. Label all stereocenters in each compound and tell how many
stereoisomers are possible for each compound.
CH3 H CH3
(a) (b) N
O * N
H
*
F 3C
*
Fluoxetine
Sertraline
(Prozac) (Zolof t)
two stereoisomers
Cl
Cl
f our stereoisomers
H
(c)
N
O O * *
O
Paroxetine
(Paxil)
f our stereoisomers F
6.35 Triamcinolone acetonide, the active ingredient in Azmacort Inhalation Aerosol, is a

steroid used to treat bronchial asthma:
(a) Label the eight stereocenters in this molecule.
HO
O
O
HO
Triamcinolone acetonide
* * * O
* * *
*
F *
O
(b) How many stereoisomers are possible for the molecule? (Of this number, only one is
the active ingredient in Azmacort.)
There are eight stereocenters, hence 28 = 256 possible stereoisomers.
6.36 Which of these structural formulas represent meso compounds?
(a) HO OH (b) HO OH (c) HO OH (d) HO CH3
H CH3
H3C CH3 H3C CH3 H CH3 H 3C OH
(e) HO CH3 (f) OH (g) OH
H3C OH
OH
OH
(b), (e) & (g) are meso compounds.
6.37 A solution of trans-2-butene is treated with HCl resulting in addition of the HCl across
the pi bond.Will the product of this reaction be chiral? Will the product be optically
active? Briefly explain your answers.
The product of this reaction will be chiral, but not optically active. Since the cationic
intermediate is flat, and chloride can attack equally well from “above” or “below” the
cation, equal amounts of the two products, which are enantiomers, will be formed. In
other words, the product will be a racemic mixture, which is not optically active.
6.38 How many stereoisomers are possible for 1,3-dimethylcyclopentane? Which are pairs of
enantiomers? Which are meso compounds?
enantiomers
(1S,3S)-1,3-dimethylcyclopentane (1R,3R)-1,3-dimethylcyclopentane
diastereomers diastereomers
(1R,3S)-1,3-dimethylcyclopentane
(meso compound)
6.39 Use “compound X” shown below to answer the following questions:
Cl H
C-3 OH
H C-2
H3C CH3
(a) Draw the enantiomer of “compound X”.

(b) Draw a diastereomer of “compound X”.
(c) Draw a Newman projection of “compound X” viewed along the bond between C-2
and C-3.
(d) Give the absolute configurations (R or S) of C-2 and C-3.
(e) Draw a constitutional isomer of “compound X” that is chiral.
(f) Draw a constitutional isomer of “compound X” that is achiral.
Cl
Cl OH H HO H
H Cl Cl OH
OH
(a) H3C
(b) or
H (c)
C H H
H CH3 H H3C
CH3 H3C CH3
CH3
Cl OH Cl
(d) C-2: S; C-3: R (e) H (f) OH
CH 3 (one of several
(one of several possible answers)
possible answers)
6.40 Determine the relationship between each of the following structures and “compound X”
from question 6.39. Choose among: same compound, enantiomer or diasteromer.
(a) Cl H (b) Cl CH3 (c) Cl OH (d) Cl CH3

OH OH
H3C H 3C H H H H
H CH3 H H H3C CH3 H3C OH
(a) diasteromer (b) enantiomer (c) same compound (d) diasteromer
Chemical Transformations
6.41 Test your cumulative knowledge of the reactions learned so far by completing the
following chemical transformations. Pay particular attention to the stereochemistry in the
product. Where more than one stereoisomer is possible, show each stereoisomer. Note
that transformations will require more than one step.
1. NaNH2 H2
(a)
H H
H Lindlar
Br
2. catalyst
H 2O OH
H2SO 4
OH
H2
(b) Na C CH
CH3CH2Br
Lindlar
catalyst
1. BH3
OH
2. H2O2, NaOH
1. NaNH 2 H2
(c)
H H
2. CH 3CH 2Br Lindlar
catalyst
Cl Cl
HCl
+
(d) H2
Na C CH
Cl
Lindlar
catalyst
1. BH3
OH
2. H2O2, NaOH
H H
(e)
1. BH3 OH OH
+
2. H2O2, NaOH
(f) Br
H2 Br 2
Br
Lindlar Br
catalyst
Br
(g) Cl Cl
CH3 HCl CH3 CH3
+
HBr Na C CH 1. NaNH2
(h) CH2 CH2
Br
2. (CH3) 2CHBr
Li Cl2
NH3(l)
Cl Cl
+
Cl Cl
Looking Ahead
6.42 Predict the product(s) of the following reactions (in cases where more than one
stereoisomer is possible, show each stereoisomer):
(a) (b)
H2 O H2
¡ ¡
Pt
Pt
O O
(a) & (b) &
6.43 Compound “A” (shown below) reacts with KOH to give compound “B.” Will “B” have
the same absolute configuration as “A?” Explain why or why not.
CH3 CH3
H Cl KOH H OH
SCH3 SCH3
Compound “A” Compound “B”
They don’t have the same absolute configuration. Even though the reaction didn’t occur
at the stereocenter, the relative priorities of the groups attached to the stereocenter
changed when Cl was replaced with OH.
6.44 Which of the following reactions will yield a racemic mixture of products?
(a) Cl
HCl
achiral
H2
(b) achiral
Pt
(c) HBr
Br achiral
(d)
H2
achiral
Pt
(e) HCl
CH3 CH3 + CH3
Cl Cl
mixture of diastereomers
(f) H2 racemic
+ mixture
Pt
6.45 Draw all the stereoisomers that can be formed in the following reaction. Comment on the
utility of this particular reaction as a synthetic method.
CH3 CH3
H Cl H Cl
CH3 CH3
HCl
CH3 CH3
H Cl H Cl
CH3 CH3
The reaction produces four different stereoisomers. If the goal of the synthesis is to
selectively synthesize one of the four stereoisomers, this method is not very useful.
6.46 Explain why the product of the following reaction does not rotate the plane of polarized
light:
Br2 Br CH2CH3 Br Br
(a) * * H * *
H H H
CH2Cl2 CH3CH2 Br CH3CH2 CH2CH3
The product is a meso compound.
(b)
H2
The product is achiral.
Pt
Putting It Together
1. Which of the following will not rotate the plane of polarized light?
(a) A 50:50 ratio of (R)-2-butanol and cis-2-butene.
(b) A 70:20 ratio of (R)-2-butanol and (S)-2-butanol.
(c) A 50:25:25 ratio of (S)-2-butanol, cis-2-butene, and trans-2-butene.
(d) A 20:70 ratio of trans-2-butene and cis-2-butene.
(e) None of the above (i.e. all of them will rotate plane polarized light)
cis-trans isomers of alkenes do not rotate plane polarized light and do not affect the
rotation of plane polarized light by other molecules. Mixtures (a) and (b) can be treated as
though they contain only (R)-2-butanol, and (c) as though it contains only (S)-2-butanol.
2. Which of the following cis isomers of dimethylcyclohexane is not meso?

(a) cis-1,4-Dimethylcyclohexane
(b) cis-1,3-Dimethylcyclohexane
(c) cis-1,2-Dimethylcyclohexane
(d) All of the above (i.e. none of them is meso)
(e) None of the above (i.e. all of them are meso)
Meso compounds are those that contain chiral centers and are achiral because they
contain an internal plane of symmetry. Although (a) is achiral and has an internal plane of
symmetry, it does not have any chiral centers.
3. How many products are possible in the following Lewis acid-base reaction?
CH3 CH3 OH
F
F B + OH B CH2CH3 + B CH
F 3
CH2CH3 OH CH2CH 3
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) None (no reaction wil take place)
The boron atom is electron-deficient and sp2-hybridized. Nucleophilic attack by OH−

results in the formation of a new chiral center and a pair of enantiomers. Realize that
whenever an sp2 atom becomes sp3, it has the potential to become a stereocenter.
4. What is the relationship between the following two molecules?
OH
OH
(a) They are identical.

(b) They are enantiomers.
(c) They are diastereomers.
(c) They are constitutional isomers.
(d) They are nonisomers.
5. Which stereoisomer of 2,4-hexadiene is the least stable?

(a) Z,Z-2,4-hexadiene (b) Z,E-2,4-hexadiene
(c) E,Z-2,4-hexadiene (d) E,E-2,4-hexadiene
(e) All are equal in stability.
Both double bonds in Z,Z-2,4-hexadiene are cis with respect to the main carbon chain,
resulting in high steric hindrance.
6. Select the shortest C–C single bond in the following molecule.

e
Bond c is the shortest bond because it is formed by the overlap b c
of two sp2-hybridized carbon atoms. Compared to sp3 orbitals, a d
sp2 orbitals are closer to the nucleus due to their increased s
character, which results in shorter bonds.
OH
7. Which of the following statements is true of β-bisabolol?
(a) The compound is a terpene and possesses one isoprene unit.
(b) The compound is a terpene and possesses two isoprene units.
(c) The compound is a terpene and possesses three isoprene units.
(d) The compound is a terpene and possesses four isoprene units.
(e) The compound is not a terpene.
β-bisabolol
β-Bisabolol, produced by cotton plants, contains three isoprene units (shown in bold).
8. How many products are formed in the following reaction?
CH3 CH3 CH3 OH

H2O H OH H CH3
H2SO4
CH3 CH3
H CH3 H OH
CH3 OH CH3 CH3
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) 5
The reaction is a hydration reaction, which involves protonation of the alkene, generation
of a carbocation, and nucleophilic attack by water. Because the left-half of the alkene is
same as the right-half, it does not matter which alkene carbon is protonated. However, we
need to consider that protonation could occur from either face (top or bottom) of the
alkene. Likewise, the nucleophlic attack of the carbocation could also occur from either
face, regardless of the face of protonation (the addition of water is not stereoselective).
As a result, four products are formed.
9. Which of the following is true when two isomeric alkenes are treated with H2 / Pt?
(a) The alkene that releases more energy in the reaction is the more stable alkene.
(b) The alkene with the lower melting point will release less energy in the reaction.
(c) The alkene with the lower boiling point will release less energy in the reaction.
(d) Both alkenes will release equal amounts of energy in the reaction.
(e) None of these statements is true.
The amount of energy releaed in a hydrogenation reaction depends on the difference in

energy between the alkene and the corresponding alkane product. Therefore, the alkene
that is less stable will release more energy upon hydrogenation; the opposite of statement
(a) would be correct. There is no correlation between the amount of energy released in a
hydrogenation reaction and the melting or boiling point of the alkene.
10. An unknown compound reacts with two equivalents of H2 catalyzed by Ni. The unknown
also yields 5 CO2 and 4 H2O upon combustion. Which of the following could be the
unknown compound?
(a) (b) (c)
(d) (e)
The data indicates that the compound contains two π bonds (either two alkenes or one
alkyne) and has the molecular formula C5H8. Only (d) matches this data. Note that the
ring of a cycloalkane is not “opened” by catalytic hydrogenation.
11. Provide structures for all possible compounds of formula C5H6 that would react
quantitatively with NaNH2.
Hydrocarbons that react with NaNH2 are terminal alkynes. The molecular formula C5H6
corresponds to a compound that has six fewer hydrogens than a fully saturated C5 alkane
(C5H12), so C5H6 must have a combined total of three π bonds and rings.
12. Answer the questions that follow regarding the following compound, which has been
found in herbal preparations of Echinacea, the genus name for a variety of plants that are
marketed for their immunostimulant properties.
N *
H
(a) How many stereoisomers exist for the compound shown?
The compound contains two double bonds that can exhibit cis-trans isomerism and
one chiral center. There are 23 = 8 possible stereoisomers.
(b) Would you expect the compound to be soluble in water?
The compound is not expected to be water-soluble. It has large, nonpolar hydrocarbon

groups and only one relatively small polar amide group.
(c) Is the molecule chiral?
Yes. It contains one chiral center.
(d) What would be the product formed in the reaction of this compound with an excess
amount of H2 / Pt.
All alkenes and alkynes would be reduced to alkanes. However, the carbonyl group
(C=O) of the amide is not reduced by catalytic hydrogenation.
O
N *
H
13. Give the complete IUPAC names for each of the following. Include stereochemical
descriptors (E/Z or R/S) where appropriate.
(a) (b) OH
(c)
(a) (E)-3-ethyl-2-hexene (b) (R)-5-methyl-2-hexanol (c) (S)-4-methyl-1-hexyne
14. Compound A is an optically inactive compound with a molecular formula of C5H8.

Catalytic hydrogenation of A gives an optically inactive compound, B (molecular
formula C5H10), as the sole product. Furthermore, reaction of A with HBr results in a
single compound, C, with a molecular formula of C5H9Br. Provide structures for A, B,
and C.
Compound A is achiral and its molecular formula has four fewer hydrogens than a C5
alkane (C5H12). Because the catalytic hydrogenation of A forms only C5H10 (B), it can be
concluded that A contains one π bond and one ring. The presence of only one π bond is
further suggested its reaction with only one equivalent of HBr, forming C. Compound C
is a single compound, so the reaction of A with HBr must not give a mixture of
constitutional isomers or stereoisomers.
Br
A B C
15. An optically active compound, A, has a molecular formula of C6H12. Hydroboration-

oxidation of A yields an optically active product, B, with a molecular formula of C6H14O.
Catalytic hydrogenation of A yields an optically inactive product, C, with a molecular
formula of C6H14. Propose structures for A, B, and C.
Compound A is chiral and its formula has two fewer hydrogens than a C6 alkane (C6H12).
The reactivity of A towards hydroboration-oxidation and hydrogenation attributes its two
fewer hydrogens to an alkene. The only chiral alkene that becomes achiral upon reduction
is 2-methylpentene.
* *
OH
A B C
16. Based on the following hydrogenation data, which is more stable, the alkene (A) with the
double bond outside of the ring or the alkene (B) with the double bond inside the ring?
Use a reaction energy diagram to illustrate your point.
H2 H2
A C B C
Pd Pd
ΔH = –23.84 kcal/mol ΔH = –20.69 kcal/mol
The same product (C) is formed by the reduction of the two alkenes, but the reduction of
A is more exothermic (releases more energy) than the reduction of B. That is, A is higher
in energy (less stable) than B to start with. This is consistent with the fact alkenes that are
more substituted are more stable.
A
B
Energy
ΔH = –23.84
ΔH = –20.69
C
17. Give the products of each of the following reactions and indicate which products would
be chiral, and also which products would be optically active.
(a) H2 (b) H2
Pt Pt
(c) (d)
H2 H2
Pt Pt
(a) achiral, not optically active

(b) chiral, not optically active
(c) (d)
achiral, not optically active chiral, optically active
18. Predict whether solutions containing equal amounts of each pair of the structures shown
would rotate the plane of polarized light (PPL).
H Cl The two structures are identical

(a) (both are S), so the solution would
Br Cl H Br be enantiomerically pure and will
CH3 CH3 rotate PPL.
CH3 H The compound on the left is

(b) meso and does not rotate PPL.
H CH3 The compound on the right is
CH3 CH3 chiral and rotates PPL. As a
H H whole, the solution rotates
PPL.
H OH H Cl The compounds are diastereomers,

(c) which do not have equal and
S
S
HO R S
opposite optical activites.
H Cl H CH 3 Overall, the solution would
rotate PPL.
19. Complete the following chemical transformations.
Cl
(a) Cl2 HCl (b)
Cl
OH ·
1) BH3 THF
H2O 2) H2O2 /NaOH
(c) (d)
H2SO4
NaNH2 CH3Br H3
(e) (f)
Lindlar’s
catalyst
(a) (b) Cl (c) or
(d) (e) (f)
20. Provide a mechanism for the following series of reactions. Show all charges and lone
pairs of electrons in your structures as well as the structures of all intermediates.
1. NaNH2
H H
2. Br(CH2)7Br new bonds
3. NaNH2
The reaction shows that two new carbon-carbon bonds were formed, one at each end of
acetylene. The second bond-forming reaction is an intramolecular reaction.
NH2 NH3
H C C H H C C
Br 5
Br
NH2
H Br
C C
C C
Br NH3 Br
4 4
Br
21. Predict the major product or products of each of the following reactions. Be sure to
consider stereochemistry in your answers.
(a) 1. BH3, THF racemic

* mixture
2. HOOH, NaOH, H2O
OH
(b)
H2 H CH2CH3 H mixture of
diastereomers
Pt
H CH 2CH3
H CH2CH3 H
CH3 CH3 CH3
(c) Lindlar's Pd
HO HO C
C H2 C H
C
CH3 H
(d) HI I 1,2-alkyl shif t occurs to f orm

a more stable carboation
H+ OH
(e) racemic
mixture
H2O *
H
(f)
1. O3 O
O
+
2. (CH3)2S O H H
O
H
22. Provide a mechanism for the following reaction. Show all charges and lone pairs of
electrons in your structures as well as the structures of all intermediates.
new bond
HO H2SO 4
O
H 2O
Examination of the reaction indicates that it involves the intramolecular addition of an

alcohol to an alkene, which is mechanistically similar to that of alkene hydration. Bolded
bonds correspond to those of the ring. As well, the reaction involves a carbocation
rearrangement.
H
O H O
H H
H
HO HO
H H
H O
HO O H H
H
O H
O
H

Chapter 6: Chirality: Problems

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Chapter 6: Chirality: Problems

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Chapter 6: Chirality 153

6.2 Assign an R or S configuration to each stereocenter:

2 When determining R,S configuration, the

6.3 Following are stereorepresentations of the four stereoisomers of 3-chloro-2-butanol:

(a) Whichcompounds are enantiomers?

(b) Which compounds are diastereomers?

COOH COOH COOH COOH

(a) Which represent the same compound?

When comparing Newman projections, it is often helpful to rotate the carbon-carbon

(c) Which represent(s) meso tartaric acid?

6.5 How many stereoisomers are possible for 1,3-cyclopentanediol?

Because 1,3-cyclopentanediol has two stereocenters, a maximum of four stereoisomers

6.6 How many stereoisomers are possible for 1,4-cyclohexanediol?

Four types of stereoisomers include:

Conformation refers to the different, interconverting arrangements of atoms, in three-

(a), (c) & (d) are chiral

6.13 Which of the following compounds are chiral?

(a) & (e) are chiral

cis-trans isomerism is possible in a square planar geometry if it has at least two or

(a) Alkane (b) Alcohol

(c) Aldehyde (d) Ketone (e) Carboxylic acid

6.19 Draw the enantiomer for each molecule:

(a) OH (b) OH (c) (d)

CH3 COOH CH3

COOH CH3 COOH CH3

COOH CH3 OH CH3

Designation of Configuration: The R,S Convention

H F CH3 CH3S CH3S

(e) (f) (g) CH2I (h) O

(a) S (b) S (c) R (d) S (e) S (f) S (g) R (h) S

6.25 Which molecules have R configurations?

(a) Give the compound the “R” absolute configuration.

(a) Br or I (b) F (c) Cl

Molecules with Two or More Stereocenters

When there are multiple stereocenters, treat each stereocenter separately.

(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 4 (d) 8

(b) (b) will have fewer than 4.

6.33 Which of the following analgesics are chiral?

(c) & (d) are chiral.

6.35 Triamcinolone acetonide, the active ingredient in Azmacort Inhalation Aerosol, is a

(a) Label the eight stereocenters in this molecule.

There are eight stereocenters, hence 28 = 256 possible stereoisomers.

6.36 Which of these structural formulas represent meso compounds?

(a) HO OH (b) HO OH (c) HO OH (d) HO CH3

(e) HO CH3 (f) OH (g) OH

(b), (e) & (g) are meso compounds.

6.39 Use “compound X” shown below to answer the following questions:

(a) Draw the enantiomer of “compound X”.

(a) Cl H (b) Cl CH3 (c) Cl OH (d) Cl CH3

(a) diasteromer (b) enantiomer (c) same compound (d) diasteromer

Compound “A” Compound “B”

2. Which of the following cis isomers of dimethylcyclohexane is not meso?

The boron atom is electron-deficient and sp2-hybridized. Nucleophilic attack by OH−

4. What is the relationship between the following two molecules?

(a) They are identical.

5. Which stereoisomer of 2,4-hexadiene is the least stable?

6. Select the shortest C–C single bond in the following molecule.

8. How many products are formed in the following reaction?