chirality, optical isomers, racemic mixtures Flashcards
1
Q
what is a chiral centre?
A
a carbon atom with 4 different groups bonded to it, so the molecule has no line of symmetry
2
Q
optical isomerism is…
A
a type of stereo isomerism where molecules have the same molecular formula but different spacial arrangement of atoms
3
Q
in optical isomers, the presence of a chiral centre leads to…
A
2 possible isomers that are mirror images of each other
4
Q
the 2 isomers are called…
A
enantiomers
5
Q
-each enantiomer causes…
A
the rotation of plane polarised light in opposite directions
6
Q
- a racemate is formed when…
A
optical isomers are produced as a pair of enantiomers in a 1:1 ratio
7
Q
a racemic mixture is optically…
A
inactive
