Total number of possible stereoisomers of dimethyl cyclopentane is________

The total number of possible stereoisomers of dimethyl cyclopentane is 3.

Explanation:

• For dimethyl cyclopentane, considering the two methyl groups on different carbons, the main cases are cis and trans arrangements.
• Cis isomer: Both methyl groups are on the same side of the ring. This form is symmetrical and does not exist as optical isomers, so there is 1 cis stereoisomer.
• Trans isomer: Methyl groups are on opposite sides. The trans form can exist as a pair of enantiomers (non-superimposable mirror images), so there are 2 trans stereoisomers.

Adding these together:

• Number of stereoisomers = 1 (cis) + 2 (trans) = 3

Final Answer: 3 stereoisomers.