Question

Inositol is a cyclic hexatomic alcohol that has ______ sterioisomers.

• A. 12
• B. 9
• C. 6
• D. 3

Hint:

When dealing with cyclic compounds like inositol, always consider the specific symmetry and how it affects the total number of possible stereoisomers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept
Stereoisomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms but differ in the three-dimensional orientation of their atoms in space. For cyclic compounds like inositol, which is a hexagonal ring (cyclic hexatomic), the number of stereoisomers can be calculated using the concept of permutations.

Step 2: Meaning
Inositol is a six-membered ring compound with hydroxyl groups attached to each carbon atom. The question asks for the number of possible stereoisomers, which are different spatial arrangements of these groups around the ring.

Step 3: Analysis
To determine the number of stereoisomers in a cyclic compound like inositol, we need to consider the symmetry and the number of chiral centers (carbon atoms with four different substituents). Inositol has six chiral centers because it is a hexagonal ring with hydroxyl groups attached. The formula to calculate the maximum number of stereoisomers for an n-chiral center molecule is \(2^n\), but this needs adjustment for cyclic compounds due to symmetry. For inositol, which is a hexagonal ring (n=6): 1. Calculate the total possible stereoisomers: \(2^6 = 64\). 2. Adjust for symmetry and identical groups. Inositol has a specific symmetry that reduces the number of unique stereoisomers. Inositol's structure shows that it can be divided into two enantiomeric pairs (two sets of mirror images) due to its cyclic nature, reducing the total count significantly. The actual number of distinct stereoisomers for inositol is 9, considering all possible spatial arrangements and symmetries.

Step 4: Conclusion
The correct number of stereoisomers for inositol, a cyclic hexatomic alcohol, is 9. Final Answer: (B)