Optical Isomerism Flashcards
1
Q
what is optical isomerism
A
a form of stereo isomerism
2
Q
how do you identify a optical isomer/ what are the characteristics
A
- 4 different groups around c
- c is called a chiral carbon
3
Q
how do you draw an optical isomer
A
mirror image of each other
4
Q
what is a mixture of equal amounts of enantiomers called
A
a racemic mixture
5
Q
how to test for optical isomers
A
shine plane polarised light that will be rotated in equal and opposite directions by each enantiomer rotation is measured by a polarimeter
6
Q
what will racemic mixtures do when test for optical isomers is done to them
A
not rotate plane polarised light as each enantiomer will rotate plane polarised light in equal and opposite directions AKA optically inactive
