Question

The number of racemic forms of molecules having (n) different chiral carbons is ____________

(a) 2n

(b) 2^n

(c) 2^n-1

(d) 2^n+1

The question was asked in homework.

Origin of the question is Optical Isomerism in section Structure and Stereostructure of Molecules of Engineering Chemistry I

Answer 1

The correct answer is (c) 2^n-1

To elaborate: The number of racemic forms of molecules having (n) different chiral carbons is 2^n-1 whereas the number of configurational isomers of molecules having (n) different chiral carbons is 2^n.