Number of optical isomers possible for Glucose is: (A) 2, (B) 4, (C) 8, (D) 16
Answer is D. Leber van Hoft rule for the number of stereoisomers is 2n where 'n' is the number of chiral centers. In open chain of glucose, there are 4 chiral centers. Hence it is 24 =16 isomers.Glucose, with four asymmetric carbon atoms, can form 16 isomers.Sugars have large numbers of stereoisomers because they contain several asymmetric carbon atoms.Ref: Harper&;s Biochemistry; 30th edition; Chapter 15; Carbohydrates of Physiological Significance