Isomerism

Question 1

Describe how you would distinguish between separate samples of the two stereoisomers of CH3CH2CH2CH2CH(OH)CN

Answer 1

(Plane) polarised light

Enantiomers would rotate light in opposite directions

Question 2

Explain why the reaction produces a racemic mixture.

Answer 2

planar carbonyl group
Attack from either side
With equal probability
OR produces equal amounts (of the two isomers/enantiomers)

Question 3

Describe how separate samples of each of these enantiomers could be distinguished.

Answer 3

Plane-polarised light.
1
Rotated in opposite directions.

Question 4

Explain the meaning of the term racemic mixture.

Answer 4

Equal mixture of enantiomers

Question 5

State the relationship between two chiral molecules with the same structural formula.

Answer 5

(Non-superimposable) mirror images

Question 6

State and explain how you could distinguish between the two enantiomers.

Answer 6

M1 (Plane) polarized light

M2 Rotated in opposite directions (equally)