How many optically active compounds are represented by the following generalized formula?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of an even number of identical substituents on a carbon atom leads to a meso compound, which is optically inactive. Looking at the given formula, we have 6 identical substituents on one carbon atom and 2 identical substituents on another carbon atom. Thus, there are two possible meso compounds: one with the two identical substituents on opposite sides of the carbon chain and one with the two identical substituents on the same side of the carbon chain. The remaining compound is not a meso compound and is therefore optically active. Therefore, there are a total of 2 optically active compounds.

How Many Optically Active Compounds Are Represented by the Following