Chirality Flashcards
1
Q
Optical isomerism is an example of what kind of isomerism?
A
Stereoisomerism
2
Q
When does optical isomerism occur?
A
When a carbon atom is attached to 4 different groups
3
Q
What are optical isomers also known as?
A
Enantiomers
4
Q
Are enantiomers superimposable?
A
No - they’re non-superimposable
5
Q
What do enantiomers do to plane polarised light?
A
Rotate it
6
Q
What is plane polarised light?
A
Light that oscillates in only one direction
7
Q
What direction do D isomers rotate plane polarised light?
A
Clockwise
8
Q
What direction do L isomers rotate plane polarised light?
A
Anticlockwise
9
Q
Define racemic mixture
A
An equimolar solution of enantiomers
10
Q
What does a racemic mixture do to plane polarised light and why?
A
No rotation as the enantiomers cancel each other out
