Home/
Competitive Exams/
JEE Main & Advanced/
Chemistry/
Isomerism/
Question 810009
JEE Chemistry · Hard

Isomerism: JEE Main MCQ

Solve this quality-checked JEE multiple-choice question, then review the correct answer and explanation.

Timer-based practiceDetailed answer reviewMobile-friendly flow
JEE MainHardQuestion 810009

Question

The number of stereoisomers of tartaric acid (2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid) is:
  1. A
    3 (2 enantiomers + 1 meso)
    Correct
  2. B
    4
  3. C
    2
  4. D
    1

Correct answer

3 (2 enantiomers + 1 meso)

Explanation

Tartaric acid has 2 chiral carbons. Maximum stereoisomers = 2² = 4. But the (R,S) form = meso compound (internally compensated, optically inactive). Actual stereoisomers: (R,R), (S,S) (enantiomers), and meso (R,S) = 3 total.

Review Isomerism notesStart timed chapter practice