3.7 Optical Isomerism Flashcards
1
Q
what are structural isomers?
A
- same molecular formula, different structures
2
Q
what are stereoisomers?
A
- compounds with same structural formula but different spatial arrangement of atoms
3
Q
what are the two types of stereoisomers?
A
- E/Z isomers
- optical isomers
4
Q
what is a chiral carbon atom?
A
- a carbon atom that has four different groups attached to it
5
Q
what are enantiomers?
A
- two compounds that are optical isomers of each other
6
Q
what is a racemic mixture?
A
- a mixture containing an equal amount of enantiomers
7
Q
how can we deduce optical isomers?
A
- they rotate plane polarised light clockwise/anticlockwise
8
Q
what happens if you shine light through a racemic mixture?
A
- no optical activity, so no rotation
9
Q
how is a racemate formed?
A
when two achiral things react together they can form a racemic mixture of a chiral product
10
Q
how is a racemate formed with carbonyl groups?
A
planar C=O has equal probability of being approached from either side of attacking species
