Which type of compound is chiral but has a plane of symmetry, making it optically inactive?

A compound is considered chiral when it has a non-superimposable mirror image, which typically contains an asymmetric carbon atom. However, certain compounds can have chirality while still being optically inactive due to the presence of a plane of symmetry within the molecule.

In this context, meso compounds are specific types of stereoisomers that have multiple stereocenters yet possess an internal plane of symmetry. This symmetry allows for the molecule to be superimposed on its mirror image, rendering it optically inactive despite having chirality from the perspective of individual stereocenters.

For example, if a meso compound has two stereocenters, the presence of this plane of symmetry means that one half of the molecule mirrors the other half, leading to a cancellation of optical activity. Therefore, meso compounds serve as a perfect example of substances that can be chiral but optically inactive due to their intrinsic symmetrical properties.

On the other hand, stereoisomers, enantiomers, and achiral compounds do not fit the criteria outlined in the question. Stereoisomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula and connectivity of atoms but different spatial arrangements; enantiomers are specific types of stereoisomers that are mirror