Worksheet 11: Types of
Stereoisomers, Identifying
Number of Stereoisomers
Leader: Hannah J.
Course: Chem 331
Instructor: Dr. Winter
Supplemental Instruction
Date: 9/24/15
Iowa State University
1) Choose the statement(s) that describe each of the following terms:
a. Stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other
b. A 50:50 mix of enantiomers
c. Stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other
d. Molecules that have the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms,
but differ in their 3-D arrangement of atoms in space
e. A molecule with chiral centers that is achiral overall due to a plane of symmetry.
f. Stereoisomers that differ in only one physical property, the rotation of planepolarized light
g. Stereoisomers that have completely separate physical properties
Stereoisomers:
Enantiomers:
Diasteromers:
Racemic Mixture:
Meso Compound:
2) Draw a pair of molecules for each of the following that are examples of each term. Your
examples do not have to be different for each term, but if they are the same, please
explain how/why they fit the categories you have chosen:
a. Stereoisomers:
b. Enantiomers:
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c. Diasteromers:
d. Racemic mixture:
e. Meso Compound:
3) For the following molecule, calculate the maximum possible stereoisomers and then
identify how many different stereoisomers it will actually have. Explain why your
answers are or are not different.