Question

state whether the each of the following is optically active or optically inactive.

a. active active
b. active inactive
c. inactive active
d. inactive inactive

Explanation:

Step1: Check for chiral centers in compound I

Compound I has chiral centers (carbons bonded to four different groups). It has no internal plane of symmetry. So, it is optically active.

Step2: Check for chiral centers and internal plane of symmetry in compound II

Compound II has chiral centers but also has an internal plane of symmetry (a plane that divides the molecule into two mirror - image halves). So, it is a meso compound and is optically inactive.

Answer:

B. active, inactive