How many stereocenters are present in 3-methyl-2-pentanol?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 5

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

3-methyl-2-pentanol has two stereocenters at C-3 (the chiral carbon with an OH and a CH3 group attached) and C-4 (the chiral carbon with three different groups attached: H, CH3, and CH2CH2CH3). Stereocenters are carbons with four different substituents and can have two possible stereoisomers (R or S configuration). Therefore, the answer is B.

How Many Stereocenters Are Present in 3-Methyl-2-Pentanol