If a molecule has 3 chiral centers, what is the maximum number of stereoisomers?

If a molecule has 3 chiral centers, what is the maximum number of stereoisomers?

• A. 8
• B. 4
• C. 6
• D. 16

Answer: (A)

Each stereocenter adds a binary choice: it can be R or S. With three stereocenters and no internal symmetry that collapses configurations into one another, the possibilities multiply: 2 × 2 × 2 = 8 distinct stereoisomers. This is the maximum number, since symmetry that creates meso forms would reduce the count in some specific molecules, but eight is the upper limit when no such symmetry collapses occur.

Each stereocenter adds a binary choice: it can be R or S. With three stereocenters and no internal symmetry that collapses configurations into one another, the possibilities multiply: 2 × 2 × 2 = 8 distinct stereoisomers. This is the maximum number, since symmetry that creates meso forms would reduce the count in some specific molecules, but eight is the upper limit when no such symmetry collapses occur.