Structural formulas & optical activity

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on determining the stereochemistry of compounds using dash and wedge notation in structural formulas. It emphasizes that the orientation of substituents directly affects the isomerism of the compound, specifically regarding optical activity. The key takeaway is that for a compound to be optically active, it must be an enantiomer, which is a non-superimposable mirror image. The discussion concludes with the identification of compound B as a meso compound, which does not exhibit optical activity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stereochemistry concepts, including enantiomers and diastereomers.
  • Familiarity with dash and wedge notation in structural formulas.
  • Knowledge of optical activity and its relation to molecular symmetry.
  • Basic comprehension of meso compounds and their properties.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Fischer projection method for visualizing stereochemistry.
  • Study the differences between enantiomers and diastereomers in detail.
  • Explore the concept of optical activity and how it is measured in laboratory settings.
  • Learn about meso compounds and their implications in stereochemistry.
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, organic chemists, and anyone studying stereochemistry and optical activity in molecular structures.

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Homework Statement
Which of the following compounds is not optically active?
Relevant Equations
N/A
89349175_205983014097940_4022541854036721664_n.jpg

How do I determine which group is dash (into the page) and which is wedge (out of page)?
Won't that literally change which isomer it is?
How to determine optical activity then?
(I believe that in order for something to be optically active it has to be an enantiomer--a non-superimposable mirror image; therefore, I need to determine which of the four compounds don't fit that description.)

<<The textbook's answer is B because it is a meso compound.>>Thank you all for your consideration and help!
 
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