2. Chirality

Question 1

what is stereoisomerism

Answer 1

same molecular formula
atoms are arranged in the same way
different orientation of their bonds in space

Question 2

what is a chiral (or asymmetric) carbon atom

Answer 2

carbon atom which has 4 different groups attached to it

Question 3

on a chiral carbon it is possible to arrange the groups in 1.__ different ways around the carbon atom
so that 2.__ different molecules are made.
3.what are these molecules called?

Answer 3

1. 2
2. 2
3. enantiomers or optical isomers

Question 4

what are enantiomers/optical isomers

Answer 4

mirror images of eachotehr that cant be superimposed

Question 5

if a molecule can be superimposed on its mirror image it is

Answer 5

achiral

doesn’t have an optical isomer

Question 6

optical isomers are optically active which means

Answer 6

they rotate plane-polarised light
one enantiomer rotates it in a clockwise direction the other rotates it the same amount byt in an anticlockwise direction.
sometimes identified as the D isomer or the L isomer

Question 7

1. you usually only ever find __ of the enantiomers

2. 2 e.g’s

Answer 7

1. 1
2. all naturally occurring amino acid are L-amino acids.
   most sugars are D-isomers