Question

Considering the reaction where (R)-limonene is treated with excess hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst:

Select the correct statement regarding the relationship of the two products obtained:
a) The products are enantiomers.
b) The products are diastereomers.
c) The products are constitutional isomers.
d) The products are identical.

Answer 1

When (R)-limonene undergoes hydrogenation without chiral influences, the products are identical because the reaction produces a racemic mixture, which consists of equal amounts of both chiral forms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When (R)-limonene is treated with excess hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, the reaction being described is a hydrogenation reaction. In such reactions, double bonds are reduced to single bonds. Given that the reactants and catalysts in this reaction are not specified as being chiral, and assuming that the reaction proceeds without any chiral influences, we can infer that any chiral products formed would be produced in equal amounts. This mixture of equal amounts of chiral enantiomers is known as a racemic mixture. Therefore, the two products obtained in this reaction are not enantiomers, diastereomers, or constitutional isomers, but rather they are identical.