Answer:
D) 4
Explanation:
If we want to find the asymmetric centers, we must first remember that in an asymmetric center, in the carbon, we will have 4 different types of groups bonded to it.
Therefore we must look for carbons that have 4 different groups. With this in mind, we can look at each carbon.
Carbon 1
In this carbon, we have two bonds with the oxygen, therefore, we dont have 4 different groups. So, this is not an asymmetric center.
Carbon 2
In this carbon, we have an "OH" in the top, an hydrogen in the bottom a carbonyl group in the right, and a CHOH in the left. We have 4 different groups. So, this is an asymmetric center.
Carbon 3
In this carbon, we have an "OH" at the bottom, an hydrogen in the top, a CHOH group in the right (that is bonded to a carbonyl group), and a CHOH in the left. We have 4 different groups. So, this is an asymmetric center.
Carbon 4
In this carbon, we have an "OH" at the top, an hydrogen in the bottom a CHOH group in the right (that is bonded to a CHOH group), and a CHOH in the left. We have 4 different groups. So, this is an asymmetric center.
Carbon 5
In this carbon, we have an "OH" at the bottom, an hydrogen in the top, a CHOH group in the right (that is bonded to a CHOH), and a CH2OH in the left. We have 4 different groups. So, this is an asymmetric center.
Carbon 6
In this carbon, we have two bonds with hydrogens, therefore, we dont have 4 different groups. So, this is not an asymmetric center.
See figure 1
I hope it helps!
