3.3.7 - Optical Isomers Flashcards
Optical isomerism
A type of stereoisomerism where molecules have the same molecular formula but a different spacial arrangement of atoms in space.
Optical isomerism occurs when…
There is an asymmetrical carbon within an organic molecule known as a chiral centre
Chiral centre
A carbon atom with four different groups bonded around it so there is no line of symmetry to the molecule
Optical isomers
Two possible isomers that are mirror images of each other
Enantiomers
Two different optical isomers that affect plane polarised light, causing plane polarised light to rotate by 90ºin opposite directions
Racemate
Optical isomers are produced as a pair of enantiomers in a 1:1 ratio
Racemic mixtures are…
Optically inactive
Reaction mechanism when a molecule with a carbonyl group is attacked by a nucleophile
Nucleophilic addition
Optical isomers are formed via…
nucleophilic addition
Nucleophilic addition
Molecules with a carbonyl group are attacked by a nucleophile