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What will be the number of stereoisomers of $\ce{CH3CH(OH)CH(OH)CH(OH)CH3}?$

By formula $2^n - 1 + 2^n + 1/2$ for $n$ being the odd number of chiral centres, it's $6;$ four optically active and two optically inactive.

Optically active when RRS, SSR, RR, SS, but I am not getting how we get two optically inactive.

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  • $\begingroup$ Also, this resource and this question may help you out. $\endgroup$
    – Aniruddha Deb
    Commented Nov 26, 2020 at 9:22
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    $\begingroup$ The remaining two are optically inactive because each of them is a mirror image of itself; what's unclear about that? $\endgroup$
    – Ivan Neretin
    Commented Nov 26, 2020 at 9:26
  • $\begingroup$ What will be their RS configuration and IUPAC name..? $\endgroup$
    – Rover
    Commented Nov 26, 2020 at 9:27
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    $\begingroup$ Same question here $\endgroup$
    – V.G
    Commented Nov 27, 2020 at 12:51
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    $\begingroup$ Does this answer your question? Number of stereoisomers and symmetry of pentane-2,3,4-triol $\endgroup$
    – V.G
    Commented Nov 27, 2020 at 16:16

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