The number of meso form of the given compound is :
`CH_(3)-underset(OH) underset(|)(CH)-underset(OH) underset(|)(CH)-underset(OH) underset(|)(CH)-CH_(3)`

Options

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 8

Explanation

To determine the number of meso forms of the given compound, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the chiral centers in the compound.
A chiral center is a carbon atom that is bonded to four different groups. In the given compound `CH₃-CH(OH)-CH(OH)-CH(OH)-CH₃`, we can identify three chiral centers.

### Step 2: Count the number of chiral centers (n).
From our observation, we have:
- Chiral center 1: The carbon with the first OH group.
- Chiral center 2: The carbon with the second OH group.
- Chiral center 3: The carbon with the third OH group.

Thus, we have **n = 3** chiral centers.

### Step 3: Use the formula to calculate the number of meso forms.
The formula for calculating the number of meso forms is given by:
\[ \text{Number of meso forms} = \frac{2^{n} - 1}{2} \]

Substituting the value of n:
\[ \text{Number of meso forms} = \frac{2^{3} - 1}{2} \]
\[ = \frac{8 - 1}{2} \]
\[ = \frac{7}{2} \]
\[ = 3.5 \]

Since the number of meso forms must be a whole number, we will round down to the nearest whole number, which means we need to consider the symmetry of the molecule.

### Step 4: Analyze the symmetry of the compound.
In this case, the compound has a plane of symmetry due to the arrangement of the OH groups and the CH₃ groups. This symmetry indicates that there are 2 distinct meso forms.

### Final Answer:
Thus, the total number of meso forms for the given compound is **2**.

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