What is the number of stereo structure of glucose?

Step-by-step solution

The open-chain structure of glucose is an aldohexose with the chemical formula CHO-(CHOH)₄-CH₂OH . In this structure, there are 4 chiral carbon atoms (the four CHOH groups). Since the molecule is unsymmetrical (the two terminal groups are different, CHO and CH₂OH ), the total number of stereoisomers is given by the formula 2^n , where n is the number of chiral centers. Substituting n = 4 , we get 2^4 = 16 . Thus, there are 16 possible stereo structures for an aldohexose like glucose. Answer: 16