meso compounds

[saltyload]

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When checking to see if a compound is a meso compound, do you place a line of symmetry through an atom or through a bond?

 

[orgohacks]

When checking to see if a compound is a meso compound, do you place a line of symmetry through an atom or through a bond?

A plane of symmetry can go through an atom or through a bond.

 

[chemtopper]

http://chemtopper.com/Reactions%20images/meso%20compounds%201.png
http://chemtopper.com/Reactions images/meso compounds 2.png
these images will make it more clear

 

[saltyload]

http://chemtopper.com/Reactions%20images/meso%20compounds%201.png
http://chemtopper.com/Reactions images/meso compounds 2.png
these images will make it more clear

so I can also disregard conformation (the dashed and solid methyl groups) when identifying a meso compound?

 

[SteveJMarist]

so I can also disregard conformation (the dashed and solid methyl groups) when identifying a meso compound?

No, you can't disregard conformation. For example, trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane is not a meso compound. It has this "dashed and solid methyl groups" you speak of. Perhaps where you're getting confused is that you're looking for a "line" of symmetry vs. a "plane" of symmetry. Just a thought.