Optical isomerism Flashcards
What is optical isomerism a type of?
Stereoisomer
What is stereoisomerism?
Molecules with the same structural formula but their atoms are arranged differently in space
What is a chiral carbon?
A carbon atom with 4 different groups attached to it
What are enantiomers?
The two different ways which the groups can be arranged around the chiral carbon
Can achiral or chiral carbons be superimposed?
Achiral
Is there optical isomerism in chiral or achiral carbons?
chiral
How do you show two enantiomers?
Draw the atoms arranged the carbon in a tetrahedral shape and then draws its mirror image, also in a tetrahedral
What is plane polarised light?
When normal light passes through a polarising filter
How do enantiomers rotate plane polarised light?
One enantiomer rotates it in one direction and the other enantiomer in the other direction
What is a racemic mixture?
a 50:50 mixture of both enantiomers
Why are racemic mixtures optically inactive?
They have equal quantities of both enantiomers, their rotation of plane polarised light cancels each other out
