Fischer Projections are drawn with the carbon chain
extending out vertically with the most oxidized end of the molecule on the top
(assuming there is a most oxidized end).
Using a Fischer Projection it is easy to see if the Projection
represents a meso compound. Simply
draw a line across the drawing half way down. If there is an even number of
carbon atoms the line is drawn across the carbon-carbon bond. If there is an
odd number of carbon, the line is drawn across the middle carbon atom and the
substituents. Now, just check to see if above the line mirrors below the line.
If they mirror they are meso if they
do not then they are chiral (and capable of being optically active).
What do these three structures have in common?
EVERYTHING – they all represent the same sugar!
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