Understanding Fischer Projections and Stereochemistry

What is the primary purpose of using Fischer projections in chemistry?

• To measure the mass of molecules

• To visualize molecules in three dimensions

• To calculate the molecular weight

• To determine the boiling point of compounds

How many stereoisomers are expected for a molecule with one chirality center?

• One

• Four

• Three

• Two

What is the absolute configuration of the R enantiomer of lactic acid?

• Linear

• Counter-clockwise

• Clockwise

• Random

Who invented Fischer projections?

• Isaac Newton

• Emil Fischer

• Albert Einstein

• Marie Curie

How many stereoisomers are possible for a carbohydrate with two chirality centers?

• Two

• Four

• Six

• Eight

What is the relationship between stereoisomers that are mirror images of each other?

• They are diastereomers

• They are isotopes

• They are enantiomers

• They are identical

What is the term for stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other?

• Enantiomers

• Diastereomers

• Isomers

• Conformers

In a Fischer projection, what does a horizontal line represent?

• Atoms going away from the viewer

• Atoms coming out towards the viewer

• Atoms in the same plane

• Atoms in a different molecule

What is the absolute configuration of a chirality center if the priority order is counter-clockwise and the lowest priority group is coming out towards the viewer?

• Neither

• S

• R

• Both

How can you determine the absolute configuration of a chirality center in a Fischer projection?

• By calculating the molecular weight

• By assigning priorities to substituents

• By counting the number of atoms

• By measuring the bond angles