Chapter 4 Practice Problems

Answers for these practice problems are on the next page.

A good approach is to answer all of the questions on a piece of paper and then check your answers. This avoids accidentally seeing the answer(s) for questions you have not done yet.

Because stereochemistry often requires a great deal of practice to master, the number of practice questions in this section is expanded.

Q4.1: Class the relationship between each pair of molecule below as identical (including conformations of the same compound), constitutional isomers, enantiomers, or diastereomers.

Q4.2: Assign each of the molecules below as chiral or achiral.

Q4.3: For each molecule below indicate (circle, draw an arrow to, etc.) all atoms that are stereogenic (stereocentres). Then write the total number of stereocentres for the molecule beneath it.

Q4.4: Assign absolute configurations (R/S) to each indicated stereocentre in the molecules below.

Q4.5: Indicate (circle, draw an arrow to, etc.) all molecules below that are meso.

Q4.6: Assign absolute configurations (E/Z) to each alkene (if possible) in the molecules below. If it is not possible to assign an E/Z configuration to an alkene indicate this in some way beside it.

Q4.7: Answer the following questions about these four compounds by filling in the appropriate blanks and circling (highlighting, etc.) the most appropriate responses.