The following symmetry element is present in the 'd' as will as the 'l' form of Tartaric acid
`[CO_(2)HCH(OH) CH(OH)CO_(2)H]`

Options

A. centre of symmetry
B. axis of symmetry `(C_(2))`
C. plane of symmetry
D. None

Answer

To determine the symmetry element present in both the D and L forms of tartaric acid, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Draw the Structures of D and L Tartaric Acid
- **D Tartaric Acid**: The structure can be represented as:
```
COOH
|
C(OH)
|
C(OH)
|
COOH
```
Here, the two hydroxyl (OH) groups are on the same side of the central carbon chain.

- **L Tartaric Acid**: The structure is similar but with the hydroxyl groups on the opposite sides:
```
COOH
|
C(OH)
|
C(OH)
|
COOH
```
In this case, the two hydroxyl (OH) groups are on opposite sides of the central carbon chain.

### Step 2: Analyze the Symmetry Elements
- **Plane of Symmetry**: Check if there is a plane that divides the molecule into two mirror-image halves. In both D and L forms, there is no plane of symmetry due to the arrangement of the functional groups.

- **Center of Symmetry**: Check if there is a point in the molecule from which identical parts are found in opposite directions. Both forms do not have a center of symmetry.

### Step 3: Identify the Axis of Symmetry
- **C2 Axis of Symmetry**:
- If we consider an axis that runs vertically through the central carbon atoms, we can rotate the molecule 180 degrees around this axis.
- Upon rotation, the positions of the hydroxyl (OH) groups and carboxylic acid (COOH) groups will interchange, resulting in the same molecule.

### Conclusion
Both the D and L forms of tartaric acid possess a **C2 axis of symmetry**. This means that if you rotate the molecule 180 degrees about this axis, you will obtain the same structure.

### Summary of the Solution:
1. Draw the structures of D and L tartaric acid.
2. Analyze the presence of symmetry elements: no plane or center of symmetry.
3. Identify the C2 axis of symmetry present in both forms.