3.7 Optical Isomerism Flashcards
1
Q
What is an isomer
A
A compound with the same molecular formula but different arrangement of atoms
2
Q
What is a structural isomer
A
Compounds have the same molecular formula but different structures
3
Q
What is a stereoisomers
A
Some structural formula they differ in the arrangement of the bonds in space
4
Q
What makes an isomer optical?
A
- 4 different functional groups attached to one carbon atom
- results in two molecules that are mirror images of each other
5
Q
Describe what happens when optical isomers interact with light
A
- they rotate plane-polarise light that they absorb clockwise or anti clockwise
- enantiomers of a pair will rotate polarised light and this rotation can be measured using a polarimeter
6
Q
Describe chiral, enantiomer and assymetric carbon atom
A
Chiral - word for optical isomers
Enantiomer - pair of isomers
Assymetric carbon atom (chiral centre) - the carbon w 4 diff bonds
7
Q
What is a racemic solution
A
A mixture contains equal amounts of both enantiomer.
Has no effect on light because each molecule distorts light to the same degree in the opposite direction
