Question

How many optical isomers are possible in a compound with one chiral carbon?

(a) 5

(b) 4

(c) 2

(d) 3

I got this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

This key question is from Optical Isomerism topic in division Structure and Stereostructure of Molecules of Engineering Chemistry I

Answer 1

Correct answer is (d) 3

To explain I would say: A compound with one chiral carbon has three optical isomers (+), (-) and (±).