Isomerism Flashcards
1
Q
Define structural isomerism
A
Same molecular formula but different structural formula
2
Q
Definite stereoisomerism
A
Same molecular formula but different arrangement of atoms in the space
3
Q
What are enantiomers
A
2 super-imposable mirror images of each other
4
Q
How to enantiomers occur
A
Due to a compound with a chiral carbon centre
5
Q
What’s the difference between 2 enantiomers
A
They rotate plane polarised light in opposite directions but by the same degree
6
Q
What must an optically active mixture have with reference to enantiomers
A
Uneven amounts of each enantiomer
7
Q
What’s a racemate
A
Mixture that contains EQUAL amounts of each enantiomer, so there effect =s on plane polarised light cancels out so the mixture is optically inactive
