Total number of stereoisomers of the compound 2, 4 dichloroheptane are :

Options

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 6

Answer

To determine the total number of stereoisomers of the compound 2,4-dichloroheptane, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Structure
2,4-dichloroheptane has a chain of 7 carbon atoms (heptane) with chlorine substituents at the 2nd and 4th carbon atoms.

### Step 2: Identify Chiral Centers
A chiral center is a carbon atom that is bonded to four different substituents. In 2,4-dichloroheptane, we need to analyze the carbon atoms at positions 2 and 4:
- **C-2**: Substituents are Cl, H, CH3 (methyl), and the rest of the carbon chain.
- **C-4**: Substituents are Cl, H, CH2 (from C-3), and CH2 (from C-5).

Both C-2 and C-4 are chiral centers because they are attached to four different groups.

### Step 3: Count the Chiral Centers
We have identified that there are 2 chiral centers (C-2 and C-4).

### Step 4: Use the Formula for Stereoisomers
The total number of stereoisomers can be calculated using the formula:
\[ \text{Number of stereoisomers} = 2^n \]
where \( n \) is the number of chiral centers.

Substituting \( n = 2 \):
\[ \text{Number of stereoisomers} = 2^2 = 4 \]

### Step 5: Conclusion
The total number of stereoisomers for 2,4-dichloroheptane is 4.

### Final Answer
Thus, the total number of stereoisomers of the compound 2,4-dichloroheptane is **4**.

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