Optical Isomerism and Aldehydes & Ketones

Question 1

Define the term Chiral

Answer 1

• A molecule which can exist as a pair of optical isomerism is said to be chiral

Question 2

Define the term Chiral centre

Answer 2

• The carbon which is attached to four different groups is called the chiral centre

Question 3

Define the term Stereogenic Centre

Answer 3

• Another name for chiral centre

Question 4

Define the term Asymmetric Carbon

Answer 4

• Another name for chiral centre

Question 5

Define the term Enantiomer

Answer 5

• A pair of optical isomers

Question 6

Define the term enantiomerically pure

Answer 6

• If a sample contains only one optical isomer it is said to be enantiomerically pure

Question 7

Define the term Optically Active

Answer 7

• An enantiomerically pure compound is optically active as it will rotate the plane of polarised light

Question 8

Define the term Racemic Mixture

Answer 8

• A mixture which contains equal quantities of enantiomers is called a racemic mixture