Understanding Enantiomers: (R)-2-butanol vs. (S)-2-butanol

Easy Organic Chemistry Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry is an essential aspect of organic chemistry that deals with the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules. Consider the following compound: 2-butanol, which can exist in two enantiomeric forms, designated as (R)-2-butanol and (S)-2-butanol. These enantiomers have identical physical properties such as boiling point and solubility but differ in their optical activity.

Which of the following statements correctly describes the stereochemical relationship between (R)-2-butanol and (S)-2-butanol?

(R)-2-butanol and (S)-2-butanol are identical and superimposable.

(R)-2-butanol and (S)-2-butanol are stereoisomers that are not superimposable.

(R)-2-butanol is the only active form, while (S)-2-butanol is inactive.

(R)-2-butanol and (S)-2-butanol have the same optical rotation.

Hint

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