25 - Nomenclature and isomerism Flashcards
1
Q
Define enantiomers.
A
Non-super-imposable mirror images, which differ in their effect on plane polarised light.
2
Q
Define a racemic mixture.
A
A mixture of equal amounts of enantiomers.
3
Q
How can enantiomers be distinguished?
A
Shine plane polarised light.
Light rotate in opposite directions.
4
Q
Why is optical isomerism important?
A
Different enantiomers can have different effects/form different drugs.
5
Q
Explain why an aldehyde plus KCN forms a racemic mixture.
A
Planar carbonyl group
Attacks from either side
With equal probability
To produce equal amounts of two enantiomers
